Dimitri M. Saretzsky Obituary (1936

Dimitri M. Saretzky, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away quietly with his family by his side on Thanksgiving Day, 2024. Born in 1936 in Berlin, Germany, Dimitri was the son of Mikhail - a Kuban Cossack officer in General Wrangel's White Army during the Russian Civil War - and his wife Eudokia. Dimitri's life was marked by resilience and a profound sense of purpose. His early years were shaped by extraordinary circumstances which brought him to the United States as an adolescent, where he began a new chapter that would define his legacy. Dimitri graduated from Pennsylvania Military College in the Class of 1960. He then pursued a successful career in the U.S. Army and Air Force, serving his adopted country with honor and dedication in Vietnam and later stationed in Berlin during the Cold War. However, it was his unwavering faith and connection to the Orthodox Christian Church that truly defined his life. For over 30 years, Dimitri served as the Church Warden at St. John the Baptist Russian Orthodox Cathedral in Washington, DC. His heartfelt dedication, loyalty, and steadfast leadership enriched the lives of those in his spiritual community, leaving an indelible mark on all who knew him. Dimitri is survived by his devoted wife of 57 years, Marlene, and their children, Ann McGinnis (Jonathan), Michael Saretzky (Virginia), and Alexandra Wlodkowski (Paul). He was a proud and loving grandfather to his nine grandchildren (Paul, Jr., Vanya, Lidia, Timothy, Roman, Andrew, Leonid, Natalie, and Ludmila), who were a source of great joy in his life. Dimitri's legacy is one of faith, service, and love. His credo was "Always with Honor," and Dimitri's memory will be cherished by all who were fortunate enough to share in his life. May his memory be eternal.