Thomas William Diehl

Thomas William Diehl passed away peacefully to be with our Lord on January 2, 2023, after a long battle with cancer.  Thomas was born in Passaic, New Jersey on November 7, 1932.  He met his wife, Eleanor Anne Steidl, in Clifton, New Jersey, and they married in 1954. Thomas is survived by his wife, Eleanor Anne Diehl, recently celebrating their 68th wedding anniversary in 2022. He is survived by his four children; daughter, Andrea Diehl Woodruff (husband Brian Woodruff) in Yucaipa; daughter, Karen Diehl-Bringas in San Diego; son, Thomas E. Diehl (wife Kristen Diehl) in San Diego; and daughter Julie Yockey, in Washington.  He has 14 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.
 

Thomas is a Navy veteran serving in the Korean War, 1952-1956, aboard the destroyer, U.S.S. Hickox, on an around-the-world mission visiting 29 countries and 54 cities.  After the military, Thomas graduated from Seton Hall University in 1958 and attended New York University, earning his MBA in finance in 1961.  Thomas held various positions in finance, from real estate sales to stockbroker.  In 1962, he moved to San Diego (a port he visited while in the Navy).  Most recently, he had a career as a stockbroker at Morgan Stanley in La Jolla, and taught finance classes in the evening at UCSD.  

Thomas lived a vibrant life and exciting life, traveling around the world in the Navy, and going on 21 cruises with his wife.  He adored his wife and loved his family; he especially enjoyed celebrating holidays together and his favorite was Christmas.  Thomas supported many charities and attended St. Rafael Parish.  Thomas, a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, instilled a strong work ethic in his family.  He is a quiet person, kind and generous, who touched many lives with his wit, intellect, and charm.  He will be greatly missed with his memory living on in our hearts. 

In lieu of flowers the family is requesting donations to Wounded Warrior Project or any other military organization that is on the front line supporting our veterans. 
MASS:

10:30AM
Tuesday, February 21, 2023
San Rafael Catholic Church
17252 Bernardo Center Drive
San Diego, CA 92128
 

INTERMENT:

1:30pm
Tuesday, February 21, 2023
Miramar National Cemetery
5795 Nobel Drive
San Diego, CA 92122
 

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