Jacob “Jack” Dritenbas, 89, of Vero Beach, passed away peacefully on Dec. 9, 2015.
He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Doris Dritenbas of Vero Beach; daughter Judy Wagner (Paul) of Vero Beach; sons Paul (Cathy) and John (Diana) of Vero Beach; eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
Dritenbas was born in Miami on Oct. 6, 1926, the son of Ulrich and Ida Dritenbas of Flawil, Switzerland.
He graduated from The University School of Bridgeport Connecticut following his high school training. He served in the United States Navy (Pacific) 1944-1946 serving on a mine sweeper clearing harbors in the Pacific for safe passage and was honorably discharged. As a reservist, he was recalled in 1950-1951 during the Korean Conflict.
Dritenbas was a licensed Florida General Contractor in Indian River County for more than 30 years, starting his business in 1957. He was a master craftsman in woodworking, stone and brick. Throughout his career he donated his time, talent and resources to local community groups. He also owned and managed Perfection Trusses, Inc. until his retirement in 1993.
He was always involved in his community and was a member of the Vero Beach Chamber of Commerce, The Vero Beach Jaycees, Association of Home Builders, Lions Club International and Order of the Freemasons.
Dritenbas served two terms as an Indian River County Commissioner following his election to office in 1966. His primary goal as a Commissioner was to establish a Zoning and Building Code for Indian River County and this goal was achieved with broad community support shortly after his election. He was a strong advocate for the Indian River Lagoon, the environment and youth sports.
He and his family enjoyed camping, hunting, scouting, fishing, bowling and golf. He and Doris were members of Vero Beach Country Club for 30 years. He loved laughter and song and was loved and respected by all who knew him.
The family extends appreciation to the staff of Hospice VNA of Indian River County and all his caregivers in his final days, and a special thanks to Pastor Jack Diehl for devotion to Jack’s spiritual care.
Service will be at 3 p.m. on Thursday Dec. 17 at Cox-Gifford-Seawinds Funeral Home in Vero Beach.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Rotary Club of Vero Beach Sunrise Foundation, 3003 Cardinal Drive, Suite-C, Vero Beach, FL 32963.
