Obituary for Robert A. Dietsch
Robert Alan Dietsch, known affectionately as Bob to his friends and family, passed away on December 17, 2023, at the age of 65 in Cincinnati, Ohio, after a courageous battle with leukemia, with his family by his side. Born on February 17, 1958, in Lowell, Massachusetts, Bob's life journey took him from the East Coast to the Midwest, where he established deep roots and a loving family. Bob was a man of humor, gentleness, and wisdom whose presence brightened the lives of all who knew him.
After graduating from Saratoga Springs High School in 1976, he married love of his life Kathleen Moore, in 1982 at an outdoor ceremony at her parents' home in Saratoga, known then as "The House in the Field." He was awarded a Bachelor's degree in Economics from St. Lawrence University in Canton, New York in 1980, where he was also a member of the basketball team. Bob then went on to earn an MBA from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, New York in 1984. His passion for numbers and finance led him to further his expertise with a B.S. in accounting from Franklin University, Columbus, Ohio, and he proudly earned his stripes as a Certified Public Accountant.
Bob was fortunate to spend much of his life surrounded by beautiful women who loved him. He and Kathy were the parents of four daughters: Elizabeth (Steve) Seciliot and Emily (Scott) Dietsch-Knauss of Columbus Ohio; Moira (Ceth) Dietsch of Cincinnati and Elaine (Dan) Douaire also of Cincinnati. Bob enjoyed coaching his girls in youth basketball and soccer for many years. Kathy and Bob also treasured the company of their three granddaughters Lucy, Rose and Eloise Douaire and one grandson (a boy at last!) Dan Douaire IV. Bob loved being a grandfather (known as Grandbob) and took special joy in the company of these children at the end of his life.
Bob's professional journey was marked by dedication and excellence. After working for several years in banking in New York, Bob joined Cardinal Health of Dublin, Ohio, in 1995. His expertise and leadership were instrumental in his rise to the position of Director of Finance, a role he held until his retirement in 2020. Colleagues admired Bob for his sharp intellect and amiable nature, which made him both a respected leader and a cherished friend in the workplace.
Bob was an avid fly fisherman and reveled in the tranquility and challenge of catching trout in the waters of the Adirondack and Catskill mountains, as well as in the streams of Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Canada. Bob's brother Mike Dietsch, and his brothers in law Michael and Tom Moore, all of whom were privileged to spend time on the water with Bob, wish him "tight lines" and share his knowledge that heaven is a trout stream.
Bob was predeceased by his parents Eli Dietsch and Patricia Nickerson Dietsch. In addition to Kathy, his daughters and grandchildren, Bob is survived by his brother Michael (Michelle) Dietsch of Rochester, New Hampshire. Bob's wit and humor were unparalleled. His ability to find humor in the everyday and to deliver it with a
dry, perceptive style brought laughter and lightness to all who knew him. Even in the face of his final challenges, Bob's concern was for his family and friends, a testament to his selfless and brave character. He was a pillar of strength for his family, a loyal friend, and a mentor to many. Bob's legacy is one of love, laughter, and the quiet strength that inspired everyone he met.
As we say farewell to Bob, we celebrate a life well-lived and will cherish the memories he leaves behind. His spirit will continue to live on through the stories shared by his loving family, the friendships he nurtured, and the lives he touched.
The viewing will be at 10:30am with a Mass to follow at 11:00am on Friday January 12th at Bellarmine Chapel, 3801 Francis Xavier Way, Cincinnati, OH 45207.
Donations can be made to OSU Division of Hematology to the Leukemia Program Development Fund (https://www.giveto.osu.edu/makeagift/details/310260) supporting laboratory research for all blood cancers.
After graduating from Saratoga Springs High School in 1976, he married love of his life Kathleen Moore, in 1982 at an outdoor ceremony at her parents' home in Saratoga, known then as "The House in the Field." He was awarded a Bachelor's degree in Economics from St. Lawrence University in Canton, New York in 1980, where he was also a member of the basketball team. Bob then went on to earn an MBA from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, New York in 1984. His passion for numbers and finance led him to further his expertise with a B.S. in accounting from Franklin University, Columbus, Ohio, and he proudly earned his stripes as a Certified Public Accountant.
Bob was fortunate to spend much of his life surrounded by beautiful women who loved him. He and Kathy were the parents of four daughters: Elizabeth (Steve) Seciliot and Emily (Scott) Dietsch-Knauss of Columbus Ohio; Moira (Ceth) Dietsch of Cincinnati and Elaine (Dan) Douaire also of Cincinnati. Bob enjoyed coaching his girls in youth basketball and soccer for many years. Kathy and Bob also treasured the company of their three granddaughters Lucy, Rose and Eloise Douaire and one grandson (a boy at last!) Dan Douaire IV. Bob loved being a grandfather (known as Grandbob) and took special joy in the company of these children at the end of his life.
Bob's professional journey was marked by dedication and excellence. After working for several years in banking in New York, Bob joined Cardinal Health of Dublin, Ohio, in 1995. His expertise and leadership were instrumental in his rise to the position of Director of Finance, a role he held until his retirement in 2020. Colleagues admired Bob for his sharp intellect and amiable nature, which made him both a respected leader and a cherished friend in the workplace.
Bob was an avid fly fisherman and reveled in the tranquility and challenge of catching trout in the waters of the Adirondack and Catskill mountains, as well as in the streams of Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Canada. Bob's brother Mike Dietsch, and his brothers in law Michael and Tom Moore, all of whom were privileged to spend time on the water with Bob, wish him "tight lines" and share his knowledge that heaven is a trout stream.
Bob was predeceased by his parents Eli Dietsch and Patricia Nickerson Dietsch. In addition to Kathy, his daughters and grandchildren, Bob is survived by his brother Michael (Michelle) Dietsch of Rochester, New Hampshire. Bob's wit and humor were unparalleled. His ability to find humor in the everyday and to deliver it with a
dry, perceptive style brought laughter and lightness to all who knew him. Even in the face of his final challenges, Bob's concern was for his family and friends, a testament to his selfless and brave character. He was a pillar of strength for his family, a loyal friend, and a mentor to many. Bob's legacy is one of love, laughter, and the quiet strength that inspired everyone he met.
As we say farewell to Bob, we celebrate a life well-lived and will cherish the memories he leaves behind. His spirit will continue to live on through the stories shared by his loving family, the friendships he nurtured, and the lives he touched.
The viewing will be at 10:30am with a Mass to follow at 11:00am on Friday January 12th at Bellarmine Chapel, 3801 Francis Xavier Way, Cincinnati, OH 45207.
Donations can be made to OSU Division of Hematology to the Leukemia Program Development Fund (https://www.giveto.osu.edu/makeagift/details/310260) supporting laboratory research for all blood cancers.