A lifelong Richmond Hill resident, Dietrich has lived on the same street his whole life. He attended the Holy Child Jesus Grammar School and later graduated from St. John’s Preparatory High School.
He served in the U.S. Army infantry before World War II even started. Injured in France only six weeks after a D-Day landing, Dietrich spent 32 months recuperating in an army hospital. He received four campaign battle stars, the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart. He was discharged in April of 1947.
While not serving his country in a military capacity, Dietrich worked as an insurance agent and broker for 32 years.
Having a job, though, was never enough, so Dietrich became heavily involved in his neighborhood and beyond.
He has been a member of Community Board 9 since January 1971. He also worked at the Board of Elections for 18 years.
He has been active in many political campaigns and served on the Republican County Committee, where he was recognized as a powerful petition gatherer. Dietrich was also a founder and former president of the Van Wyck Park Civic Association.
Never one to forget his military days, the honoree is active in the Military Order of the Purple Heart. Dietrich is also an antique car buff and a member of the Long Island Antique Car Club.
He serves his church, and is a weekly usher at Our Lady of the Cenacle.
Dietrich is married to his wife, Charlotte, and they have five daughters.
Community Board 9 District Manager Mary Ann Carey has worked with Dietrich for many years. She described him as a multi-faceted and hard working gentleman.
“It’s always been a pleasure to work with Anton,” Carey said. “He certainly deserves any accolades he gets.”
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