Adrian Buddy Deetz

Adrian J. Deetz Jr. of Dover, a lifelong resident, died Saturday, June 12, 2010, in Union Hospital following a three-year illness, with his daughter Angela by his side. Adrian was the son of the late Adrian J. Deetz Sr. and Janet (Incarnato) Deetz. "Buddy," as, he was known by his family and friends, was born in Dover, Ohio, on June 2, 1940.

Buddy graduated from Dover St. Joseph High School in 1958. He excelled in football and basketball.

He worked at the Nickel Plate-Norfolk Railroad and the Republic Steel. For many years he was the Owner & Operator of Deetz's Tropical Fish and Pet Shop on Tuscarawas Ave. in New Phila. Earlier years, Buddy formed his own landscaping business.

During Buddy's teenage years, he and his sister Sandy Deetz won many "jitterbug" dance contests. They were looked upon as the Best in and out of this area. Buddy also managed and coached for many years the "Sands" Fast pitch softball team that was sponsored by his mother. The team was very successful and won many championships. He was an avid fan of the Tuscarawas Central Catholic Saints. You could see him at every game walking the sidelines or sitting rooting for his son Thorn. Over the years Buddy worked alongside his sister Sherry at his mother's Tavern, J.D.'s in which he made many friends and acquaintances.

He was also an Usher for St. Joseph Church for many, many years. He was a devout Catholic and even in his deepest pain, still attended Mass.

Buddy was a history buff, and the Trojan War was one of his favorites; he even had the Trojan horse and Achilles tattooed on his arms. In years past, Buddy loved spending time on his boat at Atwood with his family. He was a loyal fan to the Cleveland Browns, Indians, and Cavs. And to him, there was no other college like Notre Dame.

One of Buddy's most cherished possessions was his 1987 Corvette. Buddy loved to travel and was always included in his sister Sherry's vacations. Many trips through the years were spent in Las Vegas, and the last several years, Cancun, which he really loved.
One of his proudest, and happiest, moments in his life was when he gave his daughter Angi's hand in marriage in Las Vegas, to his son-in-law, Michael Fortney, with his family and friends in attendance.

Some of Buddy's final days were spent in the home of his sister Sherry, where she loved and pampered him, along with his sister Sandy, and his close friend and brother-in-law, Rick Moran.

Buddy will be deeply missed by his daughter Angela Jo (Deetz) Fortney of Dover and his son Thorn Joseph Deetz of Midvale; his two sisters Sherry (Deetz) Moran and Sandy Deetz of Dover; his grandsons, Jonathan "Bubba" Lindsay of Ft. Jackson, S.C., and Eric Lindsay of Dover; his nephews Brock Moran and Kristopher Moran of Dover; a great-niece and nephew, Justice and Kameron Moran of Dover.

Preceding Buddy's death was his second daughter, Adria Jo Deetz, who was stillborn.

Buddy spent many happy hours at his sister Sherry's home. Especially the dinners under the Gazebo, parties by the pool, and the new Koi Pond that he was advising her on.

The family will receive guests on Tuesday, June 15, 2010, from 4 to 8 at the Toland-Herzig Funeral Home in Dover. The rosary will be said immediately following calling hours. The Rite of Christian Burial celebrating Buddy's life will be held in St. Joseph Church on Wednesday at 1:30 p.m. with Fr. Matthew Hoover presiding. Following graveside services at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery on W. Sixth Street in Dover, the family would like to invite guests to join them at the parish social hall for a farewell dinner given in Buddy's memory.

Those unable to attend may send condolences by signing the online guest book registry located on the funeral home's web site.

"Buddy, We Will Always Love You."
"Good Night My Sweet Prince."