Norman R. Dietrich, 80, of Allentown, died July 17, 2017, in Lehigh Valley Hospital, Salisbury Township.

He and his wife Ilabelle R. (Wentzel) Dietrich were married 55 years in March.

Born in Berks County, he was the son of the late Ralph J. and Lillian (Stump) Dietrich.

He received his Master of science degree in electrical engineering from Lehigh University and he graduated cum laude, with a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering from Lafayette College.

He graduated with honors with a certificate in electronics technology from the RCA Institute, New York City, N.Y., and was an engineer for AT&T Bell Laboratories, Allentown, and Breinigsville, from 1959-94 and for Tyco Telecommunications Laboratories, Eatontown, N.J. from 1994 to 2003.

He had eight professional publications plus numerous internal publications and he also had seven patents involving microwave and lightwave components.

He 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.

He was a member of Jordan Lutheran Church, Orefield, and was a volunteer for Meals on Wheels for 13 years.

He honorably served his country in the U.S. Air Force.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by 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; grandchildren Nathaniel, Zachariah, Hannah and Mary Sarmir.

Condolences may be offered to the family at kellerfuneralhomes.com.

Contributions may be made to the church, 5103 Snowdrift Road, Orefield, PA 18069.

Arrangements were made by Keller Funeral Homes Inc., Fogelsville.