Ronald A. Dietrich

The City of Holyoke has lost a man who dedicated his life working as a volunteer for the community he loved. He generously gave his time and talent to the Holyoke Auxiliary Police Division and brought that Division to become one of the largest and most active Auxiliaries in Western Massachusetts.

Ronald Alfred Dietrich, 86, lifelong resident of Holyoke and beloved husband of 39 years to Jean L. (Remillard) Dietrich, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 22, at his home in Holyoke with his loving family at his side. Born on April 3, 1938, in Holyoke, son of Alfred and Elma (Camerlin) Dietrich, he was raised and educated in Holyoke and was a graduate of Perpetual Help High School and later served his country honorably for 9 years in the Army National Guard. Ron was employed by the Wall Street Journal for 41 years as an Administrator and Supervisor of Circulation Operation for the National Distribution of Dow Jones Publications before retiring in 2001. He was involved with the Holyoke Police Department since 1960, when his first assignment was duty during the St. Patrick’s Day Parade on High Street. 2024 marked his 64-year assignee for the March St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Ron served as Chief of the Holyoke Auxiliary Police, for over 38 years, and transitioned into Director of the Holyoke Auxiliary Traffic Division since it was revamped 3 years ago. He was a member of Junior Jaycees’ and worked on many Beauty Pageants. Also, a longtime member of the Beaver’s Club. Ron leaves his loving wife, Jean of Holyoke, stepson, Steve A. Roy and his wife, Albina of Chicopee; grandchildren, Stefanie Jean Methe and her husband, Sam of Chicopee, Cassandra George and her husband, Calvin of Wyoming, and Benjamin Roy of Holyoke and great grandchildren, Lydia, Miles, and Arlo Methe. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his stepdaughter, Christina Roy in 2018. Family and friends are invited to gather on Tuesday, January 28, for visitation for Ron from 4-7 PM at Messier Funeral Home, 1944 Northampton St., Holyoke, followed by service at 7 PM in the funeral home. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations in Ron’s name may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. For online condolences please visit www.messierfuneralhome.com