Jack Dritenbas, 89, was born in Miami, FL on October 6, 1926 and passed away peacefully on Wednesday December 9, 2015 in Vero Beach. Jack was the son of Ulrich and Ida Dritenbas of Flawil, Switzerland.
Left to cherish his memory are his beloved wife of 67 years, Doris Dritenbas of Vero Beach; daughter: Judy Wagner (Paul) of Vero Beach; two sons: Paul (Cathy) and John (Diana) of Vero Beach; 8 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.
Jack graduated from The University School of Bridgeport Connecticut following his high school training. Jack served in the United States Navy (Pacific) 1944-1946 serving on a mine sweeper clearing harbors in the Pacific for safe passage and was honorably discharged. As a reservist, he was recalled in 1950-1951 during the Korean Conflict.
Jack was a licensed Florida General Contractor in Indian River County for over 30 years, starting his business in 1957. He was a master craftsman in woodworking, stone and brick. Throughout his career he donated his time, talent and resources to local community groups. Jack also owned and managed Perfection Trusses, Inc. until his retirement in 1993. Jack was always involved in his community and was a member of the Vero Beach Chamber of Commerce, The Vero Beach Jaycees, Association of Home Builders, Lions Club International and Order of the Freemasons. Jack served two terms as an Indian River County Commissioner following his election to office in 1966. His primary goal as a Commissioner was to establish a Zoning and Building Code for Indian River County and this goal was achieved with broad community support shortly after his election.
Jack was a strong advocate for the Indian River Lagoon, the environment and youth sports. He and his family enjoyed camping, hunting, scouting, fishing, bowling and golf. Jack and Doris were members of Vero Beach Country Club for 30 years. He loved laughter and song and was loved and respected by all who knew him.
The family extends appreciation to the staff of Hospice VNA of Indian River County and all his caregivers in his final days, and a special thanks to Pastor Jack Diehl for devotion to Jack's spiritual care.
Service will be at 3pm on Thursday December 17th at Cox-Gifford-Seawinds Funeral Home in Vero Beach.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Rotary Club of Vero Beach Sunrise Foundation, 3003 Cardinal Drive, Suite-C, Vero Beach, FL 32963.