Bernard Cleveland Diekman, Jr., was born on April 15, 1920 in Hackensack, New Jersey, the first of three sons born to Bernard, Sr. and Helen Marie Smith Diekman. He passed away from natural causes on May 4, 2017 at his son’s home in Watertown, New York. he is survived by his daughter, Leilah D. Schou of Tuscon, Arizona, a son and daughter-in-law Bernard III and Daryl Dunn Diekman of Watertown, NY and daughter Diane Diekman Mitchell and her husband Kelly Mitchell of Fayetteville, NC. Also survived and much loved by 6 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren and several cousins. Our mom passed away three years ago.
Dad was an exceptional man in many ways- a no-nonsense word who always had our backs. One word describes him and that is loyal. He was all about family. He could fix anything, was a fabulous fisherman, and he and mom spent many happy months at the family cottage on the Saint Lawrence River. They spent hours searching for antiques in the Northeast for their shop, Lime Rock Farms Antiques. He was most devoted to Mom and has missed her very much.
But Dad’s passion was always flying and fly he did- from the time he was a youngster and his mother made him a “flying suit”. His missions were as a B-25 pilot and later a squadron leader in the European and African theaters of operation where he had over 70 combat missions and was awarded the D.F.C. and oak leaf cluster. He participated in providing close air support at Anzio Beech, one of the most important battles of the war. He was a member of the “Greatest Generation”, with over 30 years with the National Guard. He was a true hero to all of us. Dad was a leader of the 488th Squad-340th Bomber Group and a proud part of the “Catch 22” group. He had so many incredible stories to tell- including tales of storing his 2011 Harley Davidson in the belly of his plane so he could travel on land when he wasn’t flying. His visit to The Vatican was a highlight. In all, he was a courageous leader and a skillful pilot. Story goes he was born wearing a coat of caul which according to legend, would protect him throughout life and evidently it did.
Dad was a career employee of Ma Bell and President of the New York Chapter of the Telephone Pioneers, and a volunteer with the Lions Club. He graduated from Syracuse University in 1942 and was a member of the Kapp Sigma Fraternity. He and our mom met there and were smitten with each other from the start. They attended all the fraternity dances and danced through life together, totally devoted to each other. The family grew up in Bedford Hills, New York. He and mom moved to New Milford, Conn and later to Southbury, Conn after he retired. Dad’s past years have been spent with his son, Bernard III and daughter-in-law Daryl who have attended to him in the very best way. A special thanks to his dedicated aids that cared for him.
So many qualities sum up his life- intelligent, devoted, generous, fabulous gardener, lover of life and he will be missed so very much. Fly on Dad and we wish you peace on the other side.