Dr. Allen C. Dittenhoefer

Al was born on March 31, 1949 in the Bronx, NY to Marben “Bud” and Alice Dittenhoefer. He grew up in Franklin Square, Long Island, NY and graduated from Sewanhaka High School in 1967. After high school he matriculated to Cornell University where he graduated Summa Cum Laude, second of his class, with a Bachelors in Science and then Masters of Science of Meteorology. Thereafter, he continued his studies at Pennsylvania State University and earned his Ph.D. of Meteorology and Atmospheric Studies in 1979.

His Ph.D coursework required him to complete field work on Mauna Loa on the Big Island of Hawaii. His work in Hawaii planted a deep seeded love for the islands, its music, its people, and its culture. His disposition was so respectful and admirable that the locals immediately monikered him with a rarely given distinction of kamaina which roughly translates to family member.

Al worked as Senior Vice President of Environmental Consulting for Enviroplan Consulting (later acquired by Montrose Environmental) for 43 years. He loved his job and continued to work until the time of his death. He was considered an expert in his field, was well published, and called upon numerous times over his career to provide expert witness testimony to the United States Supreme Court.

Al’s family meant more to him than anything else in the world. He was an amazing husband of six years to his wife Katherine Hamm Dittenhoefer “Kathy” of Sparta, NJ. He was revered by his children Alicia (& Terence of Boerne, TX); Tara (& Russ of Sparta, NJ); and Allen, Jr. “DJ” (& Renea of Pelham, AL). Al was an incredible father who was always supportive and loving. He was endlessly proud and adored by his nine grandchildren, William, Brandon, Benjamin, Joshua, Bella Reese, Jack, Carson, Oliver, and Alex. He was also blessed with bonus grandchildren, Anthony, Noah, Jacob, Brooklyn and Alex, through his marriage to Kathy. One of his favorite things in the world was spending time with his family and playing with his grandchildren. He was always playing sports with them, making them laugh, and was always a pillar of presence to counsel and advise any and all whenever the need arose.

Al loved sports and was an accomplished athlete. He played college soccer at Cornell University and continued to play as an adult throughout the years. He was proud of his gold medals in track and field earned from competing in the Senior Olympics. He loved watching Penn State sports, both on television and live, especially Penn State football. His favorite hobby was playing ball with his grandchildren. He also enjoyed traveling, playing golf, and taking evening walks with Kathy.

Al was a man of strong faith in the Lord and a member of Sparta Evangelical Free Church in Sparta, NJ. He trusted God and strived to embody the same kindness, love, compassion and patience as Him. He enjoyed singing in the choir and performed at Carnegie Hall with his choral group.

Anyone who knew Al knew that he was the most loving father, grandfather and husband a family could ask for. Al is survived by his wife Kathy, children Alicia Dittenhoefer (& Terence Manarpaac), Tara Bakke (& Russ), and DJ Dittenhoefer (& Renea), grandchildren, sister Jane (& Steve) Turner, many nieces and nephews, and stepchildren Leah (& Mike) Settembre and James (& MeeJin) Caristia. He is preceded in death by his parents Bud and Alice, sister Jean and godfather Conrad.

Visitation will be held Monday, February 28 from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Goble Funeral Home, 22 Main Street, Sparta, New Jersey, 07871. A funeral service will be celebrated at 11:00 AM Tuesday, March 1st at First United Methodist Church of Newton 111 Ryerson Avenue, Newton, NJ, 07860, with interment to follow at Sparta Cemetery.

Contributions can be made in Al’s name to Billy Graham Evangelistic Association or Sozo Children (providing care to children in Uganda) by clicking the links below.