Joseph “Joe” Deich, 76, of Stokesdale, NC. passed away peacefully on May 20, 2025, with his family by his side, in Greensboro, North Carolina.

Joe was born on September 26, 1948, in New York City, New York, to Virginia Ann Deich and Otto Deich.

Graduated in 1971 from Methodist College, Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Political Science.

Joe went to work for the Greensboro Police Department in January 1972. His first assignment was an undercover narcotics officer, he then became a patrol officer and a coach for new recruits, In 1994 Joe was commissioned as Sergent and assigned to the patrol division special operations, head of the of crash reconstruction, water recovery team parking enforcement and mobile command unit. In 1998 Joe lead the gang task force and was a part of the State Emergency Response Team. He retired from Greensboro Police Department in 2001. In 2006 Joe joined the Rockingham County Sheriff’s Department, he was a sworn reserved officer assisting in lake patrol and underwater recovery until 2023.

Joe followed his passion and started Atlantis Underwater Services in 1996.

Joe was an active member of the Palestine Methodist Church and served on the board directors.

Joe was a Master Mason and a member of the Oriental Shrine Club, the Oasis Temple, the Gate City Lodge, the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, in in Greensboro, NC, the Rockingham Shrine Club, in NC, and the Ben Hur Shrine Club in Austin, TX. Joe was an active member of the American Legion. Joe was also a licensed US Merchant Marine Officer.

Joe was an avid diver and enjoyed shooting guns in his spare time. Joe loved to travel and achieved his goal of visiting every continent on Earth. He was also a lifelong Yankees fan, Joe’s love for baseball began in childhood, attending games in his Little League uniform.

Joe is survived by his loving wife, Regina “Gina” Schroeder Deich; daughter, Gertrude “Trudy” Deich; stepdaughters, Leigh Munsey, Jamie (husband Matt) Sorrentino, Tiffany Schroeder; stepsons, Matthew Schroeder and Brandon Schroeder; sisters, Claudia Deich, Deborah Bernardini, Leslie Deich, Denise Adorante; grandchildren, Charolette Munsey, Walker Munsey, Stella Sorrentino and Reed Sorrentino; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

Joe is predeceased by his parents; his sisters, Joyce Evans and Janice Parker; and brother, David Deich.

The family will receive friends at Pierce-Jefferson Funeral Service, 213 W. Mountain Street, Kernersville, NC 27284 on Saturday, May 24, 2025, from 2:00PM – 3:30PM. A brief service memorializing Joe’s life will begin at 3:30PM with Wanda Lancaster officiating.

In lieu of flowers, those desiring may make memorial contributions to the American Heart Association.

Friends and family may sign the guestbook online at www.piercejeffersonfh.com

Memorial Keepers (1)

Jeanne T. Earle