U.S. Navy Veteran, Former Bethel Fire Marshal, John Dietter, 83, Passed Away

BETHEL, CT — John "Jack" Dietter, 83, passed away peacefully on Wednesday morning, November 9, at his home. A longtime resident of Bethel, he was born in Maybrook, New York, where he enjoyed many youthful adventures with his close friends, Pucci and Gigi. Son of the late Mary and Frederick Dietter, he spent many hours as a teen working with his dad on the New Haven Railroad. After graduating from the University of Bridgeport in 1956 with a BS in Industrial Relations, Jack proudly served in the U.S. Navy, stationed on Midway Island.

Following his naval service, he began work in the aerospace and military defense industries, working principally for Loral Electronics and Perkin Elmer where, among other responsibilities, he helped recruit the engineers and scientists who would work on lunar modules and the Hubbell Space Telescope. Jack settled in Bethel in 1959 and became active in the community. He served as a volunteer firefighter in the Stony Hill Fire Department and Fire Marshall for the town of Bethel.

First elected to the Bethel Board of Finance in 1959, he served into his late seventies. He also acted as a mentor to many in Bethel. Jacks strong conviction in public service was ultimately reflected in the career choices of his children as they became nurses, educators and social workers.

In his later years, he worked closely with his friend, Dr. Fand, to build the Independent Party of Connecticut, rising to the position of Chairman. Besides his involvement in local and state politics, he also enjoyed following and discussing politics at every level.

Jack is survived by his daughters, Denise Scharf and her husband, Cliff, Dina Valenti and her husband, Lou, Diedra Dietter – Schultz and her husband Michael, sons, John Dietter and his wife, Jennifer, Michael Dietter and his wife, Pamela, 11 grandchildren, his devoted care giver Lydia, along with his Dietter cousins in Millerton and Pine Plains, NY. He was pre-deceased by Gloria (Boldrin) Dietter, the mother of his 5 children, and his sisters, Marion Crowe and Kathleen Andrews.

A memorial gathering to celebrate Jack's life will be held Sunday, November 20, at 1 pm, at the Stony Hill Fire Department. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Stony Hill Fire Department.

Jowdy-Kane Funeral Home, 9-11 Granville Ave., Danbury, CT is in charge of arrangements.