Charles F Dittmer

Rockland County Sports Hall of Famer

Charles Dittmer of Congers, NY died peacefully in his sleep on June 01, 2017. Charlie was born in Rockland Lake, NY on November 25, 1929 to the late Charles and Mae Dittmer. Charlie met Ellie nee (O’Loughlin) and they were married in 1954 and had three children. Ellie passed away in 2012 after 57 years of marriage. Charlie was the loving father of William “Bill” Dittmer (daughter in law Joann) Diane Rubbert (son in law Bill) and Michael Dittmer (daughter in law Joan). Charlie was the proud grandpa “poppy” of Joseph, Christy, Melissa, Michael, Matthew, Jessica, and Jeffrey. He was also a great grandpa to Angelina, Colette and Siena. Charlie was predeceased by his brother William “Duke” Dittmer.

Charlie enlisted in the Navy in 1949 and proudly served his country for four (4) years. He played baseball for the Atlantic Fleet team that won the championship in 1952. While he was playing for this team, he was scouted by the late great Branch Rickey and signed to a contract to play for the Pittsburgh Pirates. Charlie played for one (1) year but left the team when he met his wife to be Ellie and married her.

Charlie was hired by Lederle Laboratories and worked in the print/box shop for 40 years. He retired in 1992 and has enjoyed his life playing golf, and spending time with his family and friends.

One of Charlie’s proudest moments was when he was elected into the Rockland County Sports Hall of Fame in 2008. He proudly wore his Hall of Fame pin everywhere.

Charlie was a very special person, larger than life, and was loved by all who came in contact with him.

He was a great Husband and Father and will be dearly missed.

Family will receive friends on Sunday, June 4 from 2-4 and 7-9pm at Higgins Funeral Home in New City, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, June 5 at 10am at St. Paul's Church in Congers, NY interment will follow at Gethsemane Cemetery in Rockland Lake, NY.