Richard E. Dittmer

Richard Dittmer passed away on February 26, 2013 surrounded by his family. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother and sister. He is survived by his wife, children, brother, nieces and nephews and brothers and sisters-in-law.


Richard was born in Atlanta on April 20, 1924. His family settled in Cleveland, which Richard called home until he left home to serve his country in World War II. After serving honorably, Richard completed his bachelors degree in Agriculture from The Ohio State University.


After two years in Birmingham, Alabama, Richard moved to Washington, DC to work for the United States Geological Survey. In Washington DC, he obtained a Masters Degree in Public Administration. In 1968, he transferred to South Vietnam with the US Department of Defense, managing supplies and logistics for the war effort.


Richard settled in Kettering, Ohio where he provided for his family, finally retiring in 1983. He used his leisure time to engage in one of his favorite pastimes, gardening. He also worked in the garden department of a local retailer, passing on his knowledge to his customers and co-workers.


Richard was a lifelong fan of the Cleveland Indians and the Ohio State Buckeyes.


During the Great Depression, his family needed the occasional help from friends and neighbors. To help those in need, in lieu of flowers, the family requests that a donation in Richard's memory be made to the Cleveland Food Bank, 15500 Waterloo Road, Cleveland, OH 44110.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, March 2, 2013 at 10:00 AM at St. Henry Parish, 6696 Springboro Pike. Interment will follow in Calvary cemetery.