Obituary of Lincoln E. Dietz

Lincoln E. Dietz, born May 8, 1920, peacefully passed on December 11, 2020, at the age of 100, surrounded by family in the home he loved.

Born and raised in South Hadley, MA, Lincoln was the fifth of eight children born to the late Frank and Margaret Dietz. After high school, he worked at the Springfield Armory as a mechanic. With the onset of World War II, Lincoln proudly served his country in the US Army (803rd Tank Destroyer Battalion), participating in the D-Day invasion of Normandy and traveling through Europe. Upon his return in December 1945, he resumed his employment at the Armory.

In 1948, Lincoln met and married Margaret (Peggy) Baker. They had two children and resided in Fairview, MA until the closure of the Springfield Armory. Lincoln accepted a management position at the Watervliet Arsenal and moved to Charlton, NY in 1966. He worked at the Arsenal until 1981, retiring as the Chief of Transportation. He was an employee of the Federal Government for 41 years.

Lincoln was an avid lover of the outdoors. From family camping trips to yardwork, watching Boston Red Sox or New England Patriot games to working in his vegetable garden, he cherished time in the sunshine.

Lincoln and Peggy thoroughly enjoyed their retirement. They became members of the Ballston Spa Country Club where they played in many leagues and made lifelong friends. They joined other “snowbirds” spending winters in Melbourne, Florida. Lincoln took pride in golfing into his 93rd year. But most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his family. He loved watching his grandchildren grow. He took great pride in watching them become responsible, successful and happy adults with wonderful families of their own. As he would often say, “What more can I ask for?”

Lincoln is predeceased by his wife Margaret (Peggy) Baker Dietz, his son Lincoln A. Dietz, as well as his seven siblings. 

Those left to cherish his memory are his daughter, Sheila Dietz Miller (Jerry), his former daughter-in-law, Carolyn Hartt (Bill), his grandchildren, Allie Romano (Adam), Kyle Miller (Nicole), Kenzie Netcoh (Steve), Jonathon Miller (Liz Spina), three grandchildren and a fourth on the way, along with many nieces and nephews.

Lincoln’s legacy is one of humor, perseverance, a fierce sense of independence, love of family, and as the original “dog whisperer.” 

On May 8, 2020, Lincoln celebrated his 100th birthday during the pandemic. Neighbors and friends from his beloved Charlton organized a surprise parade in his honor. Memorialized by Mark Mulholland (News Channel 13), Lincoln was stunned at the number of people who turned out to wish him well. It was one of the best days of his latter years, and meant the world to him!

“There are some people in life that make you laugh a little louder, smile a little bigger, and live just a little better.” Lincoln was one of those people. He will be dearly missed.

At Lincoln’s request, services are private. He will be given full military honors and interred at the Gerald H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery.

A memorial celebration will be held in 2021 when we can safely gather, share stories, laugh and visit with each other. Online condolences at glenvillefuneralhome.com