Donald D. Deitz, 83, a longtime resident of Riverton, New Jersey, passed away peacefully at his home on June 10, 2026.

Don was born in Philadelphia on October 13, 1942, to John A. and Mildred F. Deitz. He grew up in Camden and later Palmyra, New Jersey, and graduated from Palmyra High School with the Class of 1961. Following graduation, Don enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he proudly served for four years.

After his military service, Don worked at several jobs before enrolling at Shippensburg State College (now Shippensburg University) in Pennsylvania. While at Shippensburg, he was a member and captain of the football team and served as President of the Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity. In 1971, he graduated in just three years while also being a devoted husband and father to two young children.

Don returned to Riverton to begin his career as a high school teacher of History and Sociology at Cinnaminson High School. Throughout his teaching career, he was an active coach in a variety of sports, but he was best known and most respected for coaching football. As a head coach or assistant coach at Cinnaminson, Palmyra, Holy Cross, Moorestown, Lenape, Cherokee, and other schools throughout Burlington County, Don helped countless teams become the best versions of themselves. He also coached youth basketball and tennis for both boys and girls. Former students will remember his parting wisdom at the end of each class, "Be good! Be careful! Nothing foolish! Milk and Cookies!" Or, perhaps his exasperated euphemism "Cheese and Crackers!!" when, perhaps, that wisdom was not fully embraced.

Tennis was Don's personal favorite. He enjoyed playing for many years, and in his free time, he could almost always be found on the courts.

Don loved the Riverton and Palmyra communities, where he was known not only as a coach but also, following his retirement in 2005, as a dedicated volunteer. He gave his time to the local food pantry and the Palmyra Cove Nature Center. He was also a longtime and active member of Christ Episcopal Church in Riverton, serving on the Vestry and as an Altar Server. One of his favorite "summer jobs" was serving as Steward of the Riverton Yacht Club.

Above all, Don cherished his family, especially his grandchildren. He took great joy in supporting them in their many activities and cheering them on at sporting events. Whether it was recreational basketball, high school lacrosse, track, soccer, or field hockey, he could always be counted on to be in the stands or on the sidelines, enthusiastically cheering every play.

Don is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years, Pamela J. Deitz (née Percival); his children, Karen Vaughan and her husband Richard, Christian Deitz, and Lara Deitz Sparks; and his daughter-in-law, Leslie Deitz. He is also survived by his cherished grandchildren: Zoe Scully (Connor), Benjamin Sparks, Christian & Isabella Deitz, Sierra Wykcoff, and Gabriella, Owen, & William Vaughan. He is further survived by his three great-grandchildren, Dajour, Tatiana, and Lily Mae.

Don is also survived by many nieces, nephews, their families, and numerous friends, neighbors, and colleagues. The family extends its sincere gratitude to his nephew Jeff Deitz; neighbors Brian and Shannon, and Nancy; and friend Jeff Mack for their support and kindness over the past several years. To the nurses, doctors and professionals who cared for Don while in hospice, we offer our humble thanks and want to acknowledge how their professionalism and dedication helped make this challenging time more kind, human and loving.

Don was predeceased by his parents, Mildred F. Deitz (née Wannemacker) and John A. Deitz, and by his three older brothers, John ("Jack"), Milton ("Bud"), and Walter.

Funeral services and burial will be held privately.

Condolences and remembrances may be shared with his family through Weber Funeral Home at www.weberfuneralhomeinc.com