ILION-John H. Diehl, age 66, of Brewer Road, passed away on Thursday evening July 25, 2002 in Valley Health Services Inc. with his loving family surrounding him after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born on September 12, 1935 in Bethel, NY son of the late John N. and Albina Bassney Diehl. John was raised and educated in Honesdale, PA. A US Army veteran he served with the Airborne Division from 1955 until his honorable discharge in 1958. On August 5, 1961 he married Barbara Patten in Saint Mary's Church, Honesdale. He and his wife have resided in Ilion since 1976. John's occupation and love was the trucking industry. He took great pride in being an owner operator for most of his career. More recently he hauled for ALNYE Trucking retiring earlier this year. He traveled extensively throughout the states and acquired several safety awards including the "Million Mile Safety Award". His greatest joy was having his children and grandchildren join him on his trips to various states. He was a friend to many all over this country, "Pop-Pop" as he was affectionately called, will never be forgotten. . John had a strong belief in God and was of the Catholic faith. Surviving are his wife of forty years Barbara, a daughter Tina and her husband Mark Sommer of Herkimer, four sons; Darryl Diehl, Brian and his wife Nancy Diehl all of Ilion, Jason and his wife Temple Diehl of Liberty Hill, TX, Shayne and his wife Lynda Diehl of Mohawk; eleven grandchildren, Brandon, Jordan, Brianne, Megan, Ashley, Melissa, Joshua, Caitlyn, Morgan, Dallas, Liberty; five brothers, five sisters, several nieces, nephews, and cousins along with special friends Phil, Carol and Deb. Funeral service will be on Sunday at 1:30 p.m. in Fenner Funeral Home, Inc., 115 Court Street, Herkimer. The Reverend Mark Cunningham, pastor of St. Francis deSales Church will officiate. Mr. Diehl will be laid to rest in North Columbia Cemetery. The family will be present in the funeral home to receive relatives and friends on Saturday 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. Memorial donation may be made to the Valley Health Services Palliative Care Unit. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. The family wishes to extend their gratitude and sincere thanks to the staff of the Palliative care unit of Valley Health Services Inc. for the care and compassion given to John and his family during his stay with them.