Joe was born in Perry Township, Wisconsin on October 3, 1923 to Marie and Robert Dietrich. He graduated from Clear Lake High School in Wisconsin and enlisted in the U. S. Navy on June 5, 1942, beginning a career that would last 30 years. During WWII, Joe served on amphibious landing craft both in the Pacific and as part of the DDay invasion. He continued to serve his country in the Korean conflict and during the Vietnam War, rising to the rank of Master Chief Petty Officer.
Joe met Joan Beaulieu while stationed in Presque Isle, Maine for recruiting duty. They were married in Presque Isle on December 26, 1953, and raised their family in various locations along the east coast, including Norfolk, VA, Key West, FL, Newport, RI, and finally, Brunswick, ME. Joe retired from active duty in 1972 as the Command Master Chief at BNAS.
Completing coursework while working and raising a family, Joe earned a degree from New Hampshire College in 1972 and began his second career in state government, first with the Department of Motor Vehicles, then as an investigator with the Maine Department of Labor. That work took him all over the state, where Joe enjoyed meeting people and ensuring employee rights were protected.
Joe believed in hard work and self-sufficiency. He and Joan maintained their own home and yard, and graciously helped family members with projects through the years, often lending his woodworking and carpentry skills. Joe continued to do his own yard work and snow removal well into his 80’s. When Joan began to suffer from Alzheimer’s disease, Joe remained totally devoted to her, caring for her at home for the last several years.
Although he was proud of his naval service and work for the state, Joe was happiest in retirement when he and Joan spent time with their grandchildren, Connor and Alexis. They helped to care for them as pre-schoolers, and took pride in watching them grow up. Joe regularly attended their various sporting events and thoroughly enjoyed cheering on his grandchildren and their teammates.
He is survived by Joan, his wife of 58 years; brother Arthur Dietrich; children Dianna Dietrich, Carolyn (and Jack) McHale, Michael ( and Lise) Dietrich and Xavier Dietrich, II; grandchildren Connor and Alexis Dietrich; and many nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his sister Pauline Flannery and brother Robert Dietrich.
Visiting will be held at Brackett Funeral Home, 29 Federal Street, Brunswick on Wednesday, February 8 from 4 – 6 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 am on Thursday, February 9, at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, McKeen Street, Brunswick, Interment will follow at 1PM on Thursday in at Maine Veteran’s Cemetery, Augusta. Memorial contributions may be made to: The American Lung Association, 122 State Street, Augusta, ME 04330
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