Thomas Allan Graham Dietz

With hearts full of remembrance and gratitude, we celebrate the life of Thomas "Tom" Allan Graham Dietz, a steadfast servant of his Catholic faith, a devoted husband, father, brother, grandfather and great-grandfather, and proud member of the U.S. Army, passed peacefully on the morning of 19 July 2025 at the age of 83. Born on 25 January 1942 in Bronx, New York but grew up in beautiful Montecito and Santa Barbara, California with his devoted parents Lillian V. Graham Dietz and Valentine Dietz. Tom's greatest pride and joy was service to his family – our guiding North Star.

Born with a spirit of faith, young Tom began by serving as an altar boy along with his brother Ron at St. Aloysius Roman Catholic Church in Great Neck, New York. Tom continued building his faith at Our Lady of Mount Carmel School in Montecito and Jesuit Seminary high School near Los Angeles, California. With his faith firmly cemented, he dedicated himself throughout his lifetime as a catholic lay-person, volunteer, and CCD Instructor.

Growing up in California, Tom played golf and tennis with his parents and brother Ron, worked as an ocean lifeguard at the local Carl Casino Beach & Cabana Club as well as regular surfer and sailor. In the winter months, Tom enjoyed the annual polar plunge with his father. Tom is a proud "Gaucho" graduate from the University of Santa Barbara where he focused on medical and zoology studies. Tom made friends easily and was always the life of the party.

Family stood at the center of Tom's world. As a steadfast, devoted husband to his loving wife Veronica of 34 years, and their 6 children, 10 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren, he poured boundless love, wisdom, guidance, and a sense of adventure into every generation, cherishing both big and small moments. He took immense pride in being a hands-on parent and grandparent staying up late helping Michelle with endless science and history projects, attending youth sports such as cheering on Julie and Theresa's softball and Leo's soccer matches, serving as Tommy and Eric's Scout leader making pine wood derby cars, sharing his love of Christmas by giving Gabby and Caleb thoughtful stuffed stockings, and family volksmarch hikes in Germany and the U.S. Tom spent his summers caring for his first grandchild Michael, picking up Alyssa and Cory every day after school to help with homework coupled with ice cream trips for a job well-done, cheering on Derek, Mark, and William at their swim meets, giving thoughtful gifts like dream catchers to Nathan and Andrew as well as Katherine and Owen enjoying lunch dates with Pop-Pop. Ever the adventurer, Tom made it a point to introduce his children and grandchild Michael, to some of our country's greatest national treasures across the U.S. from Yellowstone to Mt. Rushmore to the Grand Tetons, Lake Tahoe, and Yosemite, creating lifelong memories for his family.

A true patriot, Tom, held deep respect for his country, honoring the freedoms and responsibilities by serving a full career in the military, retiring after 22 years with honors. He joined the Army at the height of the Vietnam war, serving honorably while supporting programs such as Operation Phoenix, a specialized intelligence program against enemy forces. He also had a rewarding and impactful post military career as a civil servant for the Nuclear Regulatory Commission focused on financial issues. Tom's unwavering dedication to his country served as a powerful inspiration for several of his grandchildren, leading them to proudly serve in the Army, Air Force, and U.S. Marine Corp.

Tom is survived by his loving wife Veronica Dietz, his children Mrs. Michelle Dietz Flores (Ernesto Flores), Tom Dietz, Mrs. Julie Maddalena (Sam Maddalena), Mrs. Theresa Gunlicks (Jeff Gunlicks), and Leo Kovalik followed by grandchildren Michael Johnson-Rose (Shane Johnson-Rose), Alyssa Petrovich, Cory Petrovich, Mrs. Gabby Flores Norton (Kahner Norton), Caleb Flores (Mrs. Mel Flores), Raiden Flores, William Maddalena, Derek Maddalena (Brynn Maddalena), Mark Maddalena, Nathan Gunlicks, Andrew Gunlicks, Owen Maddalena, and Katherine Maddalena.

We are comforted to know that Tom is resting in peace with his children that have preceded him in death to include Eric Dietz as well as his two infant children, Mark Dietz and Shane Dietz. He is also preceded by his parents Mrs. Lillian V. Dietz and Valentine Dietz as well as his siblings Ron Graham Dietz, Robert Graham, and Joan Graham.

The family would like to acknowledge and give special thanks to Parisa Bakhshi, Tom's health caregiver and constant companion for the past 10 years who became a close friend and integral part of the family.

May Tom (Dad, Grandpa, Great-Grandpa) rest in peace with the Lord until we meet again.

Visitation for family and friends will be held on Thursday, 31 July at Fairfax Memorial Funeral Home, 9902 Braddock Road Fairfax, VA 22032, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, 1 August at St. Raymond's of Penafort, 8750 Pohick Road, Springfield, Va. 22153 at 11:00am followed by the burial at Fairfax Memorial Park Cemetery, 4401 Burke Station Road, Fairfax, VA 22032 at 1:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Ronald McDonald House Charities:

Ronald McDonald House Charities Donations