Darrell D. Dietsch

Age 80, of Pittsburgh, PA, formerly of Corry, PA and Tampa, FL, passed away after an extended illness, on Tuesday, October 15, 2024, while surrounded by his loving family and under the care of Gallagher Hospice. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Elizabeth “Betty” (Jordano) Dietsch, grandparents, Paul and Elizabeth (Hurley) Dietsch, and Dominic and Philomena (Barraducci) Jordano; great-grandmother, Margaret (Graham) Hurley; his dearly loved son, Jeffrey M. Dietsch; a beloved sister, Paula J. Russell; two brothers, Paul J. Dietsch and Thomas J. Dietsch; stepmother, Lou Dietsch; and a brother-in-law, Pete Russell. Darrell leaves behind his lovely, caring and devoted daughter, Deidre “Dee” (Dan) Gochnour, of Pittsburgh, PA; two beautiful granddaughters Emily Elizabeth Gochnour, and Megan (Nate) Farley; two handsome grandsons, Jeffrey M. Dietsch and Austin E. Dietsch; and four precious great-grandchildren, Gabriella Farley, Thorin Farley, Aubrey Dietsch, and Penelope Dietsch. Also left behind, a very dear fraternal cousin, Debi Liebel, of Erie, PA; and many loving maternal cousins from the Italian side of the family, all from Erie, PA. Also left to mourn, several wonderful nieces and nephews; a lovely goddaughter, Lisa Hillis; one brother-in-law, Charles Maddox, of Gretna, LA; and many dear, devoted, and special “lifelong” friends (you know who you are) who played a major role in making Corry a wonderful town to live and grow up in. Darrell loved all of you and appreciated your love, hospitality, and friendship.

Darrell was born in Corry, Pennsylvania, on October 6, 1944, attended Fairview and Wright St. Elementary schools, and graduated from Corry Area Junior Senior High School (Class of 1962—Go Beavers!) He loved to sing, was in the high school choir, selected to state chorus, sang in his church choir, and at several weddings of family and friends, including both his beautiful daughter and son’s. He also sang with the “George Fawcett Trio” at the former Venture Inn in Corry during the early 70’s. The guy could “shake a leg” too. Actually, one could say, he danced his way through Junior Senior high school. Don’t forget, this was the “American Bandstand” era. Darrell worked for several years in all phases of the grocery business starting as a teen at “Connie’s Delicatessen”, owned and operated by Mrs. Connie Frisina and her family, including his dear godmother, Helen (Frisina) Shira, who managed the bakery department. They were famous for their delicious homemade bread, pastries, pies, and cakes. He also worked at Bob Church’s I.G.A. as an assistant manager and produce manager, and for the A&P, Kroger, and Albertson’s grocery chains in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Florida. Darrell retired in 2015 after working at Lake Carlton Arm’s Apartments in Tampa, FL for 24 years as an entrance guard and guide, then moved to Pittsburgh to be near his children, grandchildren, and visit with his wonderful friends in Corry.

Darrell’s family extends its heartfelt appreciation to all who provided comfort and care to their gentle loving father, grandfather, uncle, and friend who remains dearly loved and forever in their hearts.

There will be no services held in Pittsburgh. However, there will be a visitation on Saturday, November 16th, where friends will be received from 3 p.m. until time of time of Funeral Service at 6 p.m. at BRACKEN FUNERAL HOME, INC., 315 N. Center St., Corry, PA 16407, www.brackenfh.com. Burial will be held privately for the family in Trinity Cemetery in Erie, PA at a later date. In lieu of flowers, Darrell’s family suggests donations be made to either: Lewy Body Dementia Association, www.lbda.org/honor-your-loved-one/, Parkinson’s Foundation, www.parkinson.org, or to your favorite charity. Arrangements are entrusted to BRUSCO-NAPIER FUNERAL SERVICE, LTD., 2201 Bensonia Ave., Pgh, PA 15216.

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