1945
Charles
2024
Charles Rheinhard Dittrich
April 29, 1945 — January 28, 2024
UTICA, NY- Charles R. Dittrich, 78, of Utica NY, passed away peacefully with his family by his side, on Sunday, January 28, 2024, under the compassionate care of the doctors and nurses at the Wynn Hospital.
Charles was born April 29, 1945, in Queens, New York, to Helen (Ludwig) Dittrich and George P. Dittrich. He was a graduate of Bethpage High School Class of 1962. He enlisted in the Army National Guard, on May 24, 1964, at the age of nineteen and completed 25 years of service in 1989. He continued to serve faithfully and honorably in the United States Army until the 29th day of April 2005. He served in both enlisted and officer status, commissioned as Second Lieutenant on the 15th of December 1965. Charles received his first aviator pilot’s certification in 1969. He continued in his role in aviation in the Rhode Island Army National Guard receiving his instructor pilot’s certification, ultimately completing his career at the RIANG Headquarters 1051 North Main Street, Providence, RI. Continuing his dedication to his country, he retired from Booz Allen Hamilton as an IT associate.
Charles was predeceased by his father, George P. Dittrich; his mother, Helen Dittrich; and his sister, Bettina Dittrich.
Charles leaves behind his loving and devoted wife, Donna Lee Dittrich of 57 years. Charles is survived by his three children: Curt and Donna Dittrich, of Westerly, RI, Debra and Daren Lawrence, of Milford, NH and Amy and Michael Cooley, of Frankfort, NY. Charles is also survived by his four siblings: Christopher and Madeline Dittrich, of The Villages, FL, Gary and Kathryn Dittrich, of Ponte Vedra, FL, Melanie Sinise, of Bloomsbury, NJ, Kim Dittrich, of Mason, TX and Colette "Candy” Charpentier, of Cocoa Beach, FL. Charles has seven grandchildren, Ryan Dittrich, Eric Dittrich, Melissa McGinty, Taylor Lawrence, Nathan Cooley, David Cooley, and Stephen Cooley. He has five great- grandchildren: Iris, Maxwell, Evelyn, Lucas, and Bennett; as well as many nieces, nephews and friends.
Charles’ life was devoted to his wife, family and country. His absolute joy was spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held and celebrated at the Rhode Island veterans’ Memorial Cemetery, where he will be interned. The date and time will be announced.
There will be no calling hours.
Charlie’s funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Enea & Ciaccia Family Funeral Home, Ilion New York, Enea, Ciaccia & Applegate Funeral Directors.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, www.woundedwarriorproject.org
All are welcome to attend a local Mass, at St. Augustine’s Episcopal Church, on Sunday, February 4th., 2024, at 10 a.m., located at 78 Second Street, Ilion, N.Y., to be followed by a lunch for family and friends at the St. Francis Society, located at 152 Eighth Avenue, Frankfort, N.Y. at 12:30 p.m.
Charles was born April 29, 1945, in Queens, New York, to Helen (Ludwig) Dittrich and George P. Dittrich. He was a graduate of Bethpage High School Class of 1962. He enlisted in the Army National Guard, on May 24, 1964, at the age of nineteen and completed 25 years of service in 1989. He continued to serve faithfully and honorably in the United States Army until the 29th day of April 2005. He served in both enlisted and officer status, commissioned as Second Lieutenant on the 15th of December 1965. Charles received his first aviator pilot’s certification in 1969. He continued in his role in aviation in the Rhode Island Army National Guard receiving his instructor pilot’s certification, ultimately completing his career at the RIANG Headquarters 1051 North Main Street, Providence, RI. Continuing his dedication to his country, he retired from Booz Allen Hamilton as an IT associate.
Charles was predeceased by his father, George P. Dittrich; his mother, Helen Dittrich; and his sister, Bettina Dittrich.
Charles leaves behind his loving and devoted wife, Donna Lee Dittrich of 57 years. Charles is survived by his three children: Curt and Donna Dittrich, of Westerly, RI, Debra and Daren Lawrence, of Milford, NH and Amy and Michael Cooley, of Frankfort, NY. Charles is also survived by his four siblings: Christopher and Madeline Dittrich, of The Villages, FL, Gary and Kathryn Dittrich, of Ponte Vedra, FL, Melanie Sinise, of Bloomsbury, NJ, Kim Dittrich, of Mason, TX and Colette "Candy” Charpentier, of Cocoa Beach, FL. Charles has seven grandchildren, Ryan Dittrich, Eric Dittrich, Melissa McGinty, Taylor Lawrence, Nathan Cooley, David Cooley, and Stephen Cooley. He has five great- grandchildren: Iris, Maxwell, Evelyn, Lucas, and Bennett; as well as many nieces, nephews and friends.
Charles’ life was devoted to his wife, family and country. His absolute joy was spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held and celebrated at the Rhode Island veterans’ Memorial Cemetery, where he will be interned. The date and time will be announced.
There will be no calling hours.
Charlie’s funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Enea & Ciaccia Family Funeral Home, Ilion New York, Enea, Ciaccia & Applegate Funeral Directors.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, www.woundedwarriorproject.org
All are welcome to attend a local Mass, at St. Augustine’s Episcopal Church, on Sunday, February 4th., 2024, at 10 a.m., located at 78 Second Street, Ilion, N.Y., to be followed by a lunch for family and friends at the St. Francis Society, located at 152 Eighth Avenue, Frankfort, N.Y. at 12:30 p.m.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Charles Rheinhard Dittrich, please visit our flower store.
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