Russ Diethrick

On Wednesday, a celebration will be held at the Robert H. Jackson Center in Jamestown in honor of Russ Diethrick’s 90th birthday.

One of Chautauqua County’s most respected leaders and ambassador to countless community programs, Diethrick has made a positive impact throughout the county, on both organizations and individuals.

Diethrick is a 1952 Jamestown High School graduate who served with the U.S Army Reserves from 1957 through 1963. His career has included employment with Marlin Rockwell Corporation, the City of Jamestown, Babe Ruth League Inc., Jamestown Savings Bank, and Northwest Bank. The number of non-profit and community organizations he’s served, either as chair, committee member, board member, or president, is extensive. Including multiple organizations supporting the aging community, environmental and ecological impact, public parks and recreation programs, cancer and mental health care, food programs and many more, he’s helped shape and direct programs that somehow touch everyone. His name is nearly synonymous with the Babe Ruth World Series and the World Series of Cars, Jamestown Community Baseball, and Jamestown’s Parks and Recreation department, and completely synonymous with Russell E. Diethrick, Jr. Park – the current home of the Jamestown Tarp Skunks.

“Beyond the lists of organizations he’s helped, Russ Diethrick has always dedicated direct attention to everyone he engages with. Whether during a lunchtime Rotary meeting, a United Way board event, or a chance visit if you catch him sitting outside on his front porch, he’s made a lifetime of being kind, sincere and genuine in his interactions with us all. There’s no man more deserving of a celebration in his honor, and after reaching 90 years of staying the course, a presentation in his name is sure to bring many throughout the community,” Community Foundation officials said in a news release.

Wednesday’s event will begin promptly at 4 p.m. at the Robert H. Jackson Center, 305 E. Fourth St., Jamestown. The public is encouraged to attend.