Patrick L. Dieter

Patrick Lawrence Dieter passed away Monday, February 18th, just days after his 61st birthday. He is survived by the love of his life (he told her hundreds of times) Jennifer Dieter, his amazing children Mamie and Austin, awesome nephews Ricky and Charlie Bullock, and his dear mother-in-law Marjorie Bullock.

Pat was born February 8, 1958 in Erie, PA to Calvin and Doris Dieter. While he was very young, the family returned to his mom’s hometown of Carlisle before settling down permanently in Mt. Holly Springs, where he made numerous close friendships. To his last day, Pat stayed close to his “Holly boys,” often visiting his dear friend’s cabin on the first day of hunting season, or to watch a Green Bay Packers game.

Dieter spent his high school years at Carlisle, graduating with the bicentennial class of 1976, where he was known more for comedic skills than academic prowess. At Carlisle, he played football, baseball, and, of course, his beloved basketball. Legendary Carlisle basketball coach Gene Evans provided Dieter with the inspiration to pursue teaching and coaching as a profession.

Pat earned his Bachelor of Arts in History and a certification in secondary education from Lycoming College in 1980. He played basketball for the Warriors under Coach Dutch Burch. While at Lycoming, Dieter made dear friendships with several of his teammates that continued for the rest his life. At least once a year, he would make a trip to the Philadelphia area to play golf or catch a Villanova women’s basketball game with his LyCo buddies.

A year after graduation, Patrick made the best decision of his life (again, he told her hundreds of times) and married the girl who would be his wife until he left this world a few months short of their 38th anniversary. At the same time, he started his life-long career as an educator and coach. He coached Junior Varsity basketball and football at Trinity High School and taught social studies. Patrick maintained many close relationships with students, coaches, and teachers he met during his time at T-high, the Varsity basketball and football coaches at the time in particular.

In 1983, the brilliant Athletic Director at Boiling Springs High School offered Dieter the position of Head Boys Basketball Coach. His coaching career got off to a rocky start, even going 0-21 during his second season. Still, the school kept him around, ultimately offering him a teaching post as well. As the school years and basketball seasons piled up, Dieter realized he was in a unique position he had always dreamed of: an opportunity to establish his own basketball program from top to bottom. Pat never regretted staying at Boiling Springs over the years, as he treasured each and every Bubbler relationship he had with students, colleagues, and most precious of all, his players. Dieter also served two different stints as Athletic Director at Boiling Springs, which he enjoyed, but not nearly as much as being in the classroom working with students.

Patrick’s adult life was spent with more than his share of medical challenges. Most notable and most public was his struggle with kidney disease that resulted in a kidney transplant on Halloween day, 2006. He was given the gift of almost 13 years of life via a live kidney donation from one of his best friends, former players, and coaches, Kevin Roher. No greater example of love between a player and his coach exists for sure.

Patrick Lawrence Dieter had the distinction of being a tremendous husband, father, teacher, coach, mentor, and human being. Most people who knew Dieter can say that he positively affected their lives and the lives of those around them, whether it was through advice, education, discipline, or a bit of help when it was needed most. If you knew him, you were lucky.

A celebration of life service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 10, 2019 at the Boiling Springs High School Gymnasium, 21 Academy Street Boiling Springs, PA 17007. Burial will be private and held at the convenience of the family. A visitation for family and friends, will be held from 3:00 – 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 9, 2019 at the Hoffman Funeral Home and Crematory 2020 West Trindle Road Carlisle, PA 17013.

Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Patrick to the Amelia Givin Free Library 114 North Baltimore Avenue Mt. Holly Springs, PA 17065 or to Gift of Life Donor Program 401 North 3rd Street Philadelphia, PA 19123.

To sign the guestbook please visit www.hoffmanfh.com.