Elton Jay Dietrich

Elton Jay Dietrich

Elton Jay "Jay" Dietrich passed away peacefully on July 23, 2026, at the age of 78.

Born on March 31, 1948, in Sidney, New York, Jay was the son of Marion H. Dietrich and Estella M. (Schultz) Dietrich.

Jay was a proud graduate of West Virginia University, where he received the education and foundation that launched a successful career as a civil engineer. He dedicated many years of service to the New York State Department of Transportation, earning his Professional Engineer (P.E.) license and taking great pride in his work. Throughout his career, Jay found fulfillment in knowing that the roads, bridges, and infrastructure he helped design and improve would serve countless people for generations. Following a distinguished career with NYSDOT, he retired and embraced a new chapter in life.

In 2015, Jay relocated to Pensacola, Florida, to be closer to his family. Retirement was everything he had hoped it would be, allowing him to spend precious time with his daughters and grandchildren. Affectionately known as "Grandpa Jay Shuttlebus," he was always ready to drive a grandchild to school, practice, a game, or anywhere they needed to be. He treasured those everyday moments, knowing they were the memories that mattered most.

Jay's kindness reached far beyond his own family. He welcomed his daughters' friends and his grandchildren's friends with genuine warmth, making everyone feel at home. Whether offering a ride, lending a helping hand, or simply providing a listening ear, Jay had a remarkable way of making others feel valued and cared for. To many, he became much more than a friend's father or a grandparent—he became someone they could depend on and love like their own grandfather.

Above all else, Jay's greatest accomplishment was his family. His daughters, Ashley and Amy, were the pride and joy of his life, and he never missed an opportunity to share how proud he was of the women they had become. Becoming "Grandpa Jay" brought him immeasurable happiness. He cherished every moment spent with Hannah, Connor, and Kaelyn, delighting in watching them grow and always being there to encourage, support, and love them.

Jay is lovingly survived by his sister, Janet Urnaitis of Bainbridge, New York; his daughters, Ashley M. Cerverizzo and Amy L. Dietrich; and his cherished grandchildren, Hannah E. Cerverizzo, Connor J. Santiago, and Kaelyn B. Santiago.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Marion H. Dietrich and Estella M. (Schultz) Dietrich.

Jay will be remembered for his quiet strength, unwavering kindness, generous heart, and steadfast devotion to his family. Whether he was helping build the roads that connected communities, driving his grandchildren wherever they needed to go, or opening his heart and home to others, Jay made a lasting impact on everyone fortunate enough to know him.

Though he will be deeply missed, the love, guidance, and countless memories he leaves behind will continue to live on in the hearts of his family and friends forever.