RONALD PETER DIEHL

Ronald Peter Diehl died unexpectedly at home Tuesday, June 12, 2012, the morning following his 70th birthday. Ron was born June 11, 1942, the son of Edward and Ethel Diehl, was raised in Staten Island, NY, attended Staten Island Academy and graduated from Williston Academy in North Hampton, MA. He ventured to the Mid-West where he received a degree in Civil Engineering at Michigan State University. His 36-year career with the Department of Defense included The Army Corp of Engineers, Defense Logistics Agency (DLA), Walter Reed Army Medical Center and lastly, Army Installation Management where he found his bliss developing alternative energy projects.

He was employed by the DLA for 19 years in Wiesbaden, Germany. As a member of the German IVV Volkssport movement, he accomplished the equivalent of a black belt in karate by completing a required number of non-stop, overnight 120-km walks throughout Europe. He was one of the first Americans to attain this highest level of achievement. Ron had a passion for music, food, humor, Germany, the New York Times, trains, citizenship and politics. He was a volunteer usher at the Library of Congress Chamber Concerts for 10 years and an usher in his church. Music was his constant companion and solace, his bedtime lullaby and morning reveille.

His is survived by his wife of ten years Sandra Blake, brother Edward Diehl, stepmother Bunny Diehl, stepson Steven Neal, three nieces and nephews, four grand nieces and nephews, a host of close friends he considered family, and three former wives. He was predeceased by his parents and an infant brother. The National Institute of Health is now recipient of Ron’s brain for medical research.