John Comyns Diederich of Mooresville, N.C., and formerly of Columbus, Ohio, and Cleveland, Ohio, entered into rest on March 13, 2024.

Born in Cleveland, Ohio, to Richard and Mary Diederich on September 30, 1939, John attended St. Rose Elementary School and St. Edward High School in Lakewood, Ohio. After finishing high school, John served on the Great Lakes freighter Joseph H. Thompson before beginning his Army service. The Army took him to several locations, including Frankfurt, Germany.

John began his career with Volkswagen at Midvo in Columbus, Ohio, in 1964 while attending Ohio State University. He eventually founded his own dealership, Volkswagen Audi South in Charlotte, N.C., in 1985. John had a deep affection for cars, importing his first Beetle from Germany in 1962. Driving his 1949 MG race car was also a cherished hobby. Matchless and Triumph motorcycles were his favorites and he restored many of them over the years. He served as Membership Secretary of the AJS and Matchless Owners Club for North America for many years and enjoyed connecting with many wonderful fellow enthusiasts. Other hobbies included boating on Lake Norman, travel, and rooting for Ohio State football.

Perhaps most important to John was his love of family. He was an incredible father to Jennifer and John, attending every game, Scout or school event, serving as Indian Guides Chief of the Long House, frequent chaperone and super travel planner.

He was a great stepfather to Paul Munn, father-in-law to Jeanna, Leslie and Steve and was a very proud grandfather to Frances, John, Devon and Kristen.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Mary Diederich, sister Joanne Diederich; and lifelong best friend, Charles Gunn. He is survived by his wife Diana; daughter Jennifer Healy (Steve); son John (Jeanna); stepson, Paul Munn (Leslie); sisters Ann Kempton and Jean Stouffer (Dan); grandchildren Frances Diederich, John Diederich, Devon Munn (Caroline) and Kristen Seger (Cameron); and his cherished in-laws, cousins, nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to thank the outstanding and compassionate teams at Cadence Living in Mooresville and Hospice and Palliative Care of Iredell County. Visitation will be on March 26 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Cavin-Cook Funeral Home, 494 East Plaza Drive, Mooresville, N.C. The funeral will be held on March 27 at 11 a.m. at St. Therese Catholic Church, 217 Brawley School Road, Mooresville, N.C.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to any of the following charities: Dementia Alliance of North Carolina, Hospice and Palliative Care of Iredell County (HOIC.org), St. Therese Catholic Church (Mooresville, NC) or the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA.org).

Cavin-Cook Funeral Home & Crematory, Mooresville, is serving the Diederich family. Condolences may be made to the family at www.cavin-cook.com.