Gilbert "Lee" Diedrick

Gilbert Lee Diedrick of Avon, Ohio, passed away peacefully on November 4th, 2023. He was born in Elyria on December 28th, 1938 to Gilbert and Sarah Diedrick. He is survived by his wife, Janice (nee Ferlic); brother, Thomas Diedrick, and many nieces and nephews. Lee was preceded in death by his parents; brother, John Diedrick; sister, Mary Jane Eldridge; brother-in-law, Ronald Ferlic; sister-in-law, Carol Ferlic; sister-in-law, Barbara Diedrick; and sister-in-law, Flo Diedrick. Lee graduated from Elyria Catholic High School in 1957, then served in the U.S. Army from 1958-1960, with much of his time spent stationed in Germany.  After serving his country, Lee attended the University of Dayton where he majored in education; teaching youth would be a lifelong passion for him. He married his loving wife, Jan, on August 29, 1964 and they both taught in the Elyria schools for 30 years. Lee earned his Master’s degree from Bowling Green in 1970. He was at the forefront of the reading intervention program in Elyria as part of the pilot program when it began and he served as a reading resource teacher, providing support to his colleagues to help struggling readers. In summers, he supervised a Bowling Green reading clinic and directed a reading program at a private school in Pennsylvania. In a commitment to his colleagues, Lee led the Elyria teachers’ union for several years. Throughout his teaching career he was also an official and referee for football games throughout northeast Ohio. Lee had a zest for life and a love for learning, and his interests and talents were numerous. In his retirement, Lee and his wife, Jan, enjoyed traveling the world, collecting art both locally and from their travels, and attending performances at Playhouse square. Always in service to others, Lee volunteered his time at St. John Westshore Hospital and supported the Lorain County Blood Bank, donating platelets more than 300 times. In retirement, he and Jan developed a passion for wine making, generously sharing the fruits of their labor with family and friends. He even impressed the judges at the Lorain County Fair with his wine, having been awarded for it three times. Lee treasured time spent with family and was ever present with Jan at the many sporting events, concerts, and theatrical performances of their nieces and nephews and later, their many great-nieces and great-nephews, who deeply revered him. He was loved and respected by all those whose lives he touched for his kind heart and his generosity of spirit. Lee brought joy, laughter, and lively conversation, and he will be deeply missed by many. There will be a celebration of life announced at a later date. Arrangements entrusted to Laubenthal Mercado Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Elyria. Online condolences may be expressed at www.laubenthalmercado.com    

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