DIETER, Fr. Thomas Michael USAF 69 of Seminole, FL., passed away April 28, 2021. Ordained in Joliet, IL. as a Roman Catholic Priest. Moved to Florida and was a priest at Holy Family, St Catherine, Queen of Peace, Holy Cross, St Michael in Hudson and a Chaplain with Bay Pines V.A. Hospital retired. He is survived by three brothers; six sisters; and predeceased by his parents and one brother. Services and Burial in Warrenville, IL. Hubbellfuneralhome.com

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Published by Tampa Bay Times from May 2 to May 3, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Dieter

23 Entries

Dolly Hadlock

August 20, 2025

I know you are having a special birthday in Paradise. I still think of the and pray for you and Ed daily. I know you are "in a better place" but I am a selfish humans and are wish you were still on earth with us. I miss you "little brother ".
Dolly Hadlock
Hartland, VT

Marie (Dolly) Hadlock

April 25, 2025

It will be four years on Monday when you went on your heavenly cruise. There is not a day since that I have not thought of you and prayed for you and my late husband Ed. Your friendship was special to both of us but he loved you so much "little brother". You were so kind to him but then you were so kind to everyone. The patients at the VA of all religions, VA staff, volunteers and all your huge Mass followers. I know you are with our Heavenly Father, watch over Ed and know you are so missed and loved.
Your big sister in Vermont,
Dolly (Marie) Hadlock

F A Cunningham

April 15, 2025

Father Tom you have been a huge inspiration to our Parrish and my family. My mom and I loved attending mass at the VA hospital at Bay Pines Florida, I hope your enjoying heaven and come visit me when you read this big guy, I love you.
Alan Cunningham and my mom Dorothea

Lois E. Barros

April 25, 2024

Gone but not forgotten, think of you every day. Remembering the good times.

Tony And Char George

April 26, 2022

A Year Has Gone By And We Still Miss You And We Think About You Often Rest In Peace

Brad

June 10, 2021

In his role as Chaplain at a VA Medical Center in 2013, Father Dieter provided pastoral counseling and support to me for which I remain abidingly grateful. He was a uniquely, surpassingly funny, loving, principled, inspirational and warm-souled man whose — unforgettable— homilies invigorated and entertained the many Veterans, VA employees and local families who reliably attended his masses.
Requiescat in Pace.

David Staruch

May 18, 2021

Father Tom you are and will always be a special , kind man to me and my wife Victoria . You were always there when we needed you. We always enjoyed your and Father Dion's company at lunches, dinners , Christmas parties and Masses. It will be this July 1st you married Victoria and I at the little chapel at the VA that will be 15 years ago in 2 1/2 months. We will look out for Father Dion the other half of the God Squad. Enjoy your well deserved eternal stay, loving you now and forever . David & Victoria Staruch Treasure Island Fl

Tony & Charlene George

May 12, 2021

We are so sad by the lose of not only a great priest but a very close friend. Father Dieter will be missed by many. Rest in peace.
Tony & Charlene
Friends

Marie (Dolly) Hadlock

May 9, 2021

I am so deeply saddened by the sudden loss of Father Tom. He was a wonderful friend to my late husband, Ed, and me and we will miss his phone calls and visits to Vermont after we moved back here from Florida. He was a valued chaplain to all patients and Staff at Bay Pines and was loved by all. I will miss you “little brother “.

Henry Perez

May 8, 2021

I met Father Dieter 20 plus years ago and I was blessed to have him marry me and my wife. After 24 years of marriage Father Dieter would still talk about the day he married us. He was an amazing friend,man, and Father in the eyes of God. He will truly be missed but never forgotten.We will meet again

Fr. Ron Marecki

May 8, 2021

I was shocked and saddened to hear of Fr Tom's death
I admired him for his distinguished military service in Viet Nam and his dedication to serving the needs of veteran patients at Bay Pines VA Medical Center where we both served as chaplains and his compassionate outreach to the homeless at Pinellas Hope

Natalie Marie Bayci

May 8, 2021

Met Father Tom when he was an associate at the Cathedral of St. Raymond. We continued to stay in contact through the years even when he was in Florida. Enjoyed his very newsy letters and personal notes. He was a good priest and will be missed. May he rest in piece.

Linda Culhane

May 5, 2021

Father Tom. You will be missed. I always enjoyed your company at the many dinners we shared with friends and family. You have been an inspiration in my life.

Frances Kasimer

May 4, 2021

Fr. Tom, You will be missed. You were a good man, a great Priest, and a man for the people. You had a wonderful memory and were so thoughtful when Julius, my husband died. I have known you for many years and was blessed to call you friend.

Wendy Perez

May 3, 2021

Father Dieter married myself and my husband 24 yrs ago and has remained a constant friend to our family many a meal with great conversations, stories and laughter. Never did an anniversary go by that he did not call or a Christmas with an adventurous letter of his great travels over the past year! My grandson was blessed to have Father Dieter as his godfather. You will be missed but I know that God was waiting to greet you at you arrival in Heaven. Until we meet again.

(Rev) Donald P. Baker

May 3, 2021

I met Tom in my final year of seminary. He was always ready to help anyone in need. He worked on my car doing minor repairs a couple times. He joined several of us at our afternoon coffee klatch having those great Wisconsin pastries. Rest in Peace, Tom.

Donna Wasko

May 3, 2021

A great friend and the best priest ever. Always amazed my family by his remarkable memory for dates, birthdays, anniversaries. Always had a silly joke to tell. Always remember our last breakfast at Village Inn. RIP friend

neal w gundersen / barbara

May 2, 2021

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

Simone Taylor

May 2, 2021

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Shawn K. Guay

May 2, 2021

Rest In Peace my friend!

neal w gundersen

May 2, 2021

We always looked forward to his vsits. He had an infectious smile that lifted your heart. His wonderful stories of his time with his family were heartwarming and funny and gave you thoughts to reflect upon. Suddenly your own life looked and felt a little lighter. We surely we miss him, but know God has a special place for him in heaven. Neal and Barb

Father Francis Dionne

May 2, 2021

A "treasure"(Sirach) my best friend for 44 years - an authentic priest who cared for all people. His infectious smile radiated his internal love which drew his 'flock' to him. Goodbye my friend and RIP.

Lois E. Barros

May 2, 2021

Father Tom never met a stranger and he was always willing to help anyone in need. His passing will leave many broken hearts. He was a kind and caring friend who will be missed and never forgotten by all who knew and loved him.

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