Roger J. Dietz, 98, of Vero Beach, passed away peacefully at the Grace Nursing Home in Vero Beach on Dec. 5, 2015.
He is survived by his companion of four years, Phyllis King of Vero Beach; son James N. Dietz of Woodbridge, Va.; daughter Pamela E. Heinemann of Burke, Va.; five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
Dietz was born on Oct. 23, 1917 in Marlborough, Mass.
He was awarded Bachelors and Masters Degrees from the New England Conservatory of Music. He spent most of his life teaching young people while playing the saxophone and singing professionally, with stints with band leaders Vaughn Monroe, Jerry Vale and Xavier Cugat.
In Bristol, R.I., he was a high school music director and upon retirement, the high school football stadium was named in his honor. In 1982, he and his wife Phyllis (who passed away in 1996) moved to Vero Beach where Dietz enjoyed golf, serving with the Lion’s Club, and performing with professional musical groups. He was charter member of St. Augustine of Canterbury Episcopal Churh in Vero Beach.
Dietz was a veteran of WWII, serving in Rome, Italy with the US Eighth Army.
Memorial contributions are welcome and may be sent to the Humane Society Of Vero Beach, P.O. Box 644, Vero Beach, FL 32961.
Dietz will be transferred to the Slattery Funeral Home in Marlborough, Mass., for interment at Rocklawn Cemetery with his beloved wife Phyllis. A memorial service will be held in Vero Beach at a date to be determined.
Local arrangements are under the direction of Strunk Funeral Home and Crematory, Vero Beach. A guest book is available at www.strunkfuneralhome.com.