Elton Jay Dietrich

Elton Jay Dietrich peacefully passed away on July 23, 2026, at the age of 78, surrounded by his loving family.

Jay was born on March 31, 1948, in Sidney, New York, to Marion H. Dietrich and Estella M. Dietrich.

Jay was a proud graduate of West Virginia University, where he earned the education and foundation that would lead him into a fulfilling career as a civil engineer. He dedicated his professional life to the New York State Department of Transportation, where he earned his Professional Engineer (P.E.) license. He took pride in his work and the knowledge that he helped build and improve the roads and infrastructure that people relied on every day. After many years with NYSDOT, he retired in 2003.

In 2015, Jay moved to Pensacola, Florida, to be closer to his family. Retirement suited him well, especially because it meant more time with his daughters and grandchildren. In 2020, Jay faced one of life's greatest challenges when he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Through his strength, determination, and the care of his medical team, he survived pancreatic cancer—a remarkable outcome that gave him several more years to create cherished memories with the people he loved most.

If one of the grandkids needed to get to a practice, a game, school, or just about anywhere else, Grandpa Jay "Shuttlebus" was ready to drive. He loved being part of their everyday lives, and those simple moments together meant the world to him.

Jay's kindness extended far beyond his immediate family. He welcomed his daughters' friends and his grandchildren's friends with the same warmth and generosity he showed to those closest to him. Whether it was offering a ride, lending a helping hand, or simply making someone feel welcome, Jay had a way of making people feel like they belonged. To many, Jay became more than just a friend's dad or a grandparent—he became family.

Jay's greatest joy in life was being a father. Ashley and Amy were the center of his world, and he never missed an opportunity to tell others how proud he was of the women they had become. Watching his family grow and becoming a grandfather only added to that joy, and he cherished every moment he spent with Hannah, Connor, and Kaelyn.

He is survived by his sister, Janet Urnaitis of Bainbridge, New York; his daughters, Ashley M. Cerverizzo and Amy L. Dietrich; and his beloved 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. Dietrich.

Jay will be remembered for his kindness, his generosity, and the unwavering love he had for his family. Whether he was building roads, driving the grandkids wherever they needed to go, or welcoming someone into his family with open arms, he made a lasting difference in the lives of those who knew him. He will be deeply missed and forever loved.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you simply remember Jay with a smile, share a favorite memory, or perform an act of kindness in his honor.