Wayne Kirk Dietrich, age 81, passed away peacefully in his home on June 13th, 2024. He was born on March 12th, 1943 in Springfield, son of the late Henry Doris Dietrich. Wayne worked at Kidder Stacy Machine Co. in Agawam most of his life before deciding that staying home and playing his guitar suited him better.
Wayne’s greatest joys in life came from his family, and from his love of music. His children and grandchildren can all attest to the days and hours spent by the radio, the record player, and with ever changing technology eventually his Alexa- playing everything from Joan Baez, Simon and Garfunkel, Janis Ian and of course Iris Dement. He was mesmerized by their music and it helped to fill his soul. His voice was his guitar - a natural extension of his body- and it brought to life all his joys and sorrows.
He is predeceased by his son Scott Dietrich, his granddaughter Caitlin, his brother Henry Gary Dietrich, and the mother of his children (his forever best friend) Judith Murphy. He is survived by his sons Ian Dietrich of Gilbertville, Joel Dietrich of Chicopee, Timothy Dietrich and his wife Cassandra of Springfield; his daughter Juline Decker and her husband Jeff of Chicopee; as well as his sister, Beverly Troop of North Adams.
He also leaves 12 beloved grandchildren (Samantha, Oriana, Tristan, Addrianna, Faith, Savannah, Owen, Lucy, Sydney, Jacob, Laura and Nathan) and 5 great grandchildren (Dexter, Vincent, Jack, Olivia and Aaron).
Services will be held on Friday July 12 at 11:30am at Hillcrest Park Cemetery in Springfield. A small reception for friends and family will follow at the Elks Lodge #61 in Springfield. For online condolences, please visit www.GriseFH.com.