Gary A. Diederich, 46, of Elyria passed away Wednesday November 16, 2011 at his home following a long illness. He was born June 15, 1965 in Elyria and was a lifelong Elyria resident. Gary worked at Diamond Products in Elyria as a Laser Welder for 20 years. He was a 1984 Elyria High School graduate, a member of the Elyria United Polish Club, enjoyed bowling, was a avid sports fan and served as a father figure to many. Survivors include his wife of 25 years, Tonya (nee-Dalton); daughter, Brooke Diederich (companion, Nikki Pearson) of Elyria; son, Jordan Diederich (companion, Kassidy Eplin) of Elyria; 1 grandchild; father, George Diederich of Grafton Twp.; sisters, Gayle Diederich, Glenda (Dean) Frabotta, Ginger (Mark) Sherrill of Elyria, and Gwendolyn (Joe) Denes of Henrietta Twp.; brothers, Gregory Diederich of Elyria, and Geoffrey (companion, Geri Sindelar) of Cleveland. He was preceded in death by his mother, Thelda "Pudge" Diederich in 2004. The family will receive friends Sunday 1:00-4:00 p.m. at the Laubenthal-Mercado Funeral Home 38475 Chestnut Ridge Rd. (at State Rt. 57), Elyria.322-4626. Services will be Monday at 11:00 a.m. in the funeral home. The Rev. Chuck Behrens will Officiate. Burial will be at Brookdale Cemetery, Elyria. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the family in care of the funeral home. Online condolences may be expressed at laubenthalmercado.com. Service: 11:00 AM Monday November 21, 2011 Laubenthal-Mercado Funeral Home 38475 Chestnut Ridge Rd. Elyria, OH. Visitation: 1:00-4:00 PM Sunday November 20, 2011 Laubenthal-Mercado Funeral Home 38475 Chestnut Ridge Rd. Elyria, OH.