Frankie J. Dieter, JR – 35 – of 5559 Hillcrest Dr., Canisteo, formerly of Hornell, died unexpectedly Saturday (July 29, 2017) in Fresno, CA.

Born in Rochester, NY on September 23, 1981, he was the son of Frank Dieter of Hornell and Deborah MacWhorter of Danville.

Frankie grew up in Lima, NY and later lived in Dansville where he graduated from Dansville High School (class of 1999). While in high school, he was a member of the Dansville Mustang Football Team where he played the position of running back. He also was a member of the Dansville Mustang Wrestling Team where he excelled and advanced to the New York State Finals. Following his high school graduation, Frankie attended Alfred State College in the spring of 1999. He has resided in the Hornell – Canisteo area for most of his adult life.

He was employed as a carpenter and worked for the Local Union # 226 out of Rochester. In 2015 – 2016, Frankie returned to college and earned his Business Management Degree from Genesee Community College where he was on the Dean’s List for three semesters. In recent years, Frankie was employed at the H.J. Martin & Son Construction Company as a foreman, traveling throughout the United States for the company.

Frankie was a former member of the United Methodist Church of Dansville and had also attended the Adrian Baptist Church where his grandfather served as pastor.

He was an avid Buffalo Bills fan and especially admired Thurman Thomas. While in high school, Frankie actually wore #34 jersey in honor of his favorite Buffalo Bills player. He had a deep love and appreciation of music and loved singing, playing piano and playing base guitar. He would occasionally “sit in” with his buddies’ band and sing and play base. His many friends were extremely important to Frankie. He loved them all and considered them as “family.” He also enjoyed playing video games and had a deep affection for his seven beloved Siberian Huskies, Nanuk, Keyara, Aspen, Dieter, Nemaway, Caspain & Bella Blue.

Frankie was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Franklyn & Louise Dieter, his maternal grandfather, Rev. Abram Carter and his step-sister, Theresa MacWhorter.

Surviving are his longtime love & partner in life of 15 years, Barbara Freeland of Canisteo; his father, Frank (Paula) Dieter of North Hornell; his mother, Deborah (James) MacWhorter of Dansville; his sisters, Sandra (Kevin) Whitman of Dansville, Brandy Dieter of Hornell and Heather Dieter of Hornell; 3 step-brothers, Patrick (Chelsea Hughes of Perry, NY, Shawn Hughes of Indiana and Todd (Karen) MacWhorter of Perry; his maternal grandmother, Mary Lou Carter of Canisteo; his niece Cameron Caffarelli; his nephew, Ryder Whitman; several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces & nephews.

The family of Frankie J. Dieter, JR will receive friends on Sunday from 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY. Private graveside services will be held at the convenience of the family.

Frankie’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to the Dansville Mustang Football Program, C/O Dansville High School, 282 Main St., Dansville, NY 14437. Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.