James Paul Diethorn

Diethorn, James P., age 93, of Bethel Park, passed away on August 14, 2024.

He was born to the late Edward and Kunigunda (Julia) Diethorn;  beloved husband of the late Leah Diethorn and Doris Jean Diethorn; loving father of the late Linda Rheinlander (Terry), Marcy Draves (Gerry) and Adam Diethorn (Pam);  loving stepfather of Jeff Bleiel (Nicky), Brian Bleiel (Cindy) and the late Judy Bleiel; dear grandfather of Jacob (Kit), Laura (Owen), Cara (Kyle), Leah, Mark and Zachary and great grandfather to Everleigh; loving brother to the late Rita Diethorn, Brother Bernard Diethorn, Edward Diethorn, Ida Phillips, Vera Gross, Regina Valentas and Wilbert Diethorn, and loving uncle to several nieces and nephews.   

Born in 1931, he grew up on Billy Buck Hill in Pittsburgh.  He attended St. Georges High School where he was a gifted running back and was named to play on the Pittsburgh All Star Catholic and City Team with the likes of Johhny Unitas.  He received a scholarship to play football at the University of Pittsburgh.  While in school he was drafted and served in the US Army as a medic during the Korean war.  He was wounded and received the Purple Heart.  Returning home, he worked at the Pittsburgh and Lake Erie Railroad and earned his B.S. in Business in at Pitt.  He was then employed by Alcoa Aluminum for over 25 years.  

He was known for his gift of telling stories.  He was a devout Catholic and loved traveling, conversations with family and friends, working in the yard, playing cards and fishing-- and enjoying life.

Friends and family are invited to a funeral mass at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, 6470 Library Road, South Park, PA 15129 on Tuesday, August 27, 2024 at 10:00 AM. Arrangements are under the direction of the McDonald-Aeberli Funeral Home, Inc. 238 Crowe Ave. Mars, PA and condolences are available at www.mcdonald-aeberli.com.