William Brice Diedrick, “Brice” died peacefully in his sleep at his home in Vero Beach, Fla., on Sunday, May 13, surrounded by his loving family.
Brice was born Oct. 10,1946, to Ann Gilyard Diedrick and Dr. Arthur Hill Diedrick of Rye, N.Y. He attended the Rye Country Day School and graduated from the Trinity Pawling School and Pace University. Early in his career, he worked in licensing for Walt Disney, and later for Tribune Media Services and his own licensing and consulting business.
Brice was a kindhearted, patient, and charming man. Best known by his friends for his quick wit and devilish antics, Brice would often disarm the uninformed. Recently a nurse asked him, “Where did you meet your wife of 55 years?” He wiggled his fingers, as though he was typing, and said “online dating.”
Brice was beloved by his childhood friends and all the wonderful friends he made over the decades. He excelled at sports and played soccer, ice hockey, and lacrosse in high school and college. He played tennis and squash, and paddle tennis for the Manursing Island and Apawamis Club teams. He loved golf and competed in tournaments throughout his life. In Vero Beach, he a was a member of Grand Harbor Golf and Beach Club and Quail Valley Golf Club.
On June 22, 1968, Brice married his high school sweetheart Anne Sundermann in Bedford Village, N.Y. Brice leaves behind Anne, son William Brice Diedrick Jr., of Winter Park, Fla., daughter Alexandra Diedrick, of Vero Beach, Fla., grandchildren Shane, Kevin, and Blair Diedrick (Brice Jr.’s children), great grandchildren Kiefer and Lawson (Shane’s boys), Shaun, and the twins Rylee and Elaina (Kevin’s children). All the grand and great grandchildren live in Jacksonville, Fla.
Brice wishes his family and friends to love one another and to laugh often. It’s rumored that he is in heaven entertaining the angels and that heaven is running low on Bud Lite.
To honor his life, his family is planning a kid-friendly private celebration.
