Norman R. Dietrich, 80 years, of Allentown, passed away Monday, July 17, 2017 at Lehigh Valley Hospital, Salisbury Twp.  He was the husband of Ilabelle R. (Wentzel) Dietrich for 55 years this past March.  Born in Berks County, he was the son of the late Ralph J. and Lillian (Stump) Dietrich.

He received his M.S. in Electrical Engineering from Lehigh University and he graduated Cum Laude, with a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from Lafayette College.  Norman graduated with honors with a certificate in Electronics Technology from the RCA Institute in New York City.  He was an engineer for AT&T Bell Laboratories in Allentown and Breinigsville, from 1959 to 1994 and for Tyco Telecommunications Laboratories in Eatontown, NJ from 1994 to 2003.  Norman had 8 professional publications plus numerous internal publications and he also had 7 patents involving microwave and lightwave components.  Norman had several professional recognitions, including the Bell Laboratories Distinguished Member, Technical Staff in 1983.  He became a Fellow – IEEE, "For contributions to microwave circuit techniques and their application to microwave and lightwave components and subsystems" in 1992 and a Life Fellow – IEEE in 2001.  Norman was a member of Jordan Lutheran Church in Orefield and was a volunteer for Meals on Wheels for 13 years.  He honorably served his country in the United States Air Force.

Survivors : wife, Ilabelle, daughters, Lois Dietrich and partner Anita Wade of Junction City, KY, Gayle Sarmir and husband Mark of Northampton, son, Brian and wife Tabitha of Covington, PA, grandchildren, Nathaniel, Zachariah, Hannah, and Mary Sarmir.

Services: 1:30 PM, Friday, July 21 at Jordan Lutheran Church, 5103 Snowdrift Rd., Orefield with the Rev. Jerel Gade officiating.  Visitation will be from 12:30 to 1:30 PM in the Church.  Arrangements by Keller Funeral Homes, Inc., Fogelsville.  Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.KellerFuneralHomes.com .

Contributions: In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Jordan Lutheran Church, 18069.