Eric A. Dietrich, 51, of Elyria passed away Sunday November 6, 2016 at Mercy New Life Hospice Residential Center in Lorain following a brief illness. He was born February 10, 1965 in Elyria and was a lifelong Elyria resident. Eric worked in Quality Control for the Pepsi Cola Company in Twinsburg for 28 years. He was a member of St. Paul United Church of Christ in Elyria, a 1984 Elyria High School graduate and a 1988 Bowling Green State University graduate. Eric was an avid sports fan and enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. Survivors include his wife of 20 years, Mary (nee-Kush); daughters, Casey (Jackie) Ott and Nicole Dietrich; son, Nick Dietrich; sister, Karen (Joe) Kmitt; brother, Robert (Tracie) Dietrich; canine companion, Ginger; numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Norma Dietrich. The family will receive friends Thursday 5:00-7:00 p.m. at the Laubenthal-Mercado Funeral Home and Cremation Service 38475 Chestnut Ridge Rd. (at State Rt. 57) Elyria. Services and Burial will be private. Online condolences may be expressed at www.laubenthalmercado.com