Joseph Robert Dietrich Jr., 74 year, of Amelia Island passed away on Wednesday, September 9th at home. Born on November 10th, 1951 near Chicago, Illinois. He grew up in Clearwater, Florida and West Hartford, Connecticut and graduated from Conard High School in 1969 and from the University of Florida Southern, Tampa in 1976 where he studied Art and Religion.

He married Marion Applegate in 1976 and over time the couple welcomed four children into their home. His children remember him as a wise and compassionate father who always encouraged them to pursue their goals.

Joe worked at The Master’s School in West Simsbury, CT for 35 years. He was an accomplished teacher, writer, and mentor who often enjoyed surfing and gardening. Joe was a humble, thoughtful and kind individual who loved others and was passionate about the earth and its creator.

He was an elder at Legacy Church, Amelia Island.

Joe leaves behind his wife of 49 years, Marion Dietrich, children: Katie and David Simington, Andrew Patterson, Anne and Pedro Reis, Jane Dietrich and Juan Abril, and grandchildren: James, Harper, Hadley, and David Walker Simington, Ryan and Paige Reis, Santiago Abril.
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He donated his body to the Mayo Clinic for ALS research.

Donations may be made in his memory to Barnabas Center, the C.S. Lewis Foundation, Legacy Church of Amelia Island, or The Master’s School in West Simsbury, CT.