Fred A. Dietrich

It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of the sudden passing of Fred Arnold Dietrich, age 83, at the beautiful home he built with his beloved wife Lorraine Pajerek in Union Springs, New York. Manfred “Fred” Dietrich was born December 26, 1942 in Vienna, Austria where he and his family lived until emigrating to Binghamton, New York when he was age 14, seeking opportunity in the United States and refuge from the after effects of World War II. He is preceded in death by his parents Mary C. (Feike) and Arnold K. Dietrich, his older sister Hannalore “Lore” Brock (Skip) and younger brother Werner “Tony” Dietrich (Edwin Allard), each choosing new names as they entered their new country. 

Fred quickly learned English and entered the renowned University of Pennsylvania Moore School of Electrical Engineering, graduating with a B.S. degree in 1966. He moved home to Binghamton where he began a career in flight simulation at Link, where his father was also an engineer, and proudly contributed for 26 years alongside colleagues and friends. Link is also where he met and impressed his wife Lorraine Pajerek for his intellect. Lori and Fred were married in 1989 and blended their families. Later he continued his career at IBM, Loral, Lockheed Martin, NLX, Rockwell Collins before retiring in 2014.

While proud of his Austrian heritage, Fred and his family were grateful to be naturalized in 1962 as citizens of the United States. He was very proud to be an American and spoke fondly of the opportunity that emigrating to America gave his family. Fred used to say, “For a kid who got off the boat in 1956, I never could have imagined the life it provided us.” Fred thought of the U.S. as his true home because it was where he and his first wife raised his pride and joy, sons Chris C. Dietrich of Ballston Lake, N.Y. and Scott J. Dietrich (Jacquelyn) of Downingtown, Pa. His legacy is carried further through his granddaughters, Sunny L. and Violet C. Dietrich, who he adored. Fred was filled with gratitude for his devoted family and their accomplishments, which he frequently expressed. He is also survived by stepson Geoff Urda of Watertown, sister-in-law Jean Pajerek of Lansing (Roger Jagoda) and father-in-law Joseph Pajerek of Ithaca as well as nephew Preston Brock (Cher), niece Michele Kahlich (Thomas), great-niece Katy and great-nephew Brock of Austin, Texas. 

Always generous with his time taking care of friends and family with a work ethic second to none, Fred was a no-nonsense, tireless worker. No one worked harder than Fred at every phase of his busy life, professionally and personally, including building two houses as a gifted handyman with love of architecture and mechanics. Fred recalled brutal scout camping during every month of the year with his son Chris, many sporting events throughout Scott’s childhood and college career and even tolerated two trips to Disney World with his enthusiastic granddaughters. He made sure to call his sons at 8:00 AM every Sunday morning in college to make sure they endured some discomfort after the previous night’s festivities. Fred had a great sense of sarcastic humor and loved to chuckle at the ironies of life. 

Fred was a voracious skier, enjoying a European ski trip the week prior to his passing with buddies from Greek Peak where he skied every season since 1956. He was a dedicated photographer with a good eye and a deep appreciation of natural beauty and travel. Cherished memories of his family and Farley’s Point and Fries Cove neighbors include sunsets with a glass of wine from Fred and Lori’s patio overlooking Cayuga Lake, boat days on the lake, waterskiing, Fred’s summer mornings clearing seaweed to keep the water’s edge pristine and meticulous pruning and upkeep of his lawn and gardens. Fred and Lori generously welcome family and friends to the lake, who will do their best to honor his memory and legacy always: love of the lake, helping neighbors with the inevitable maintenance project that arises and appreciation for every sunset. 

While no immediate services are planned, the family is intending to have a celebration of life during the upcoming summer lake season. In loving memory of Fred Dietrich, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

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