Obituary for Eugene William Dittmeier
Etowah - Eugene (Gene) William Dittmeier, age 94, passed away on Wednesday, March 31, 2021 in the comfort of his home.
Son of beloved parents, Elsie and George Dittmeier, Eugene was born in Richmond Hill New York. He was a proud Navy veteran of WWII, serving as part of the occupation forces in Japan. After receiving a degree in mechanical engineering from the Stevens Institute of Technology, he enjoyed a 37-year career with the Long Island Lighting Company, attaining the title of Chief Engineer until retirement. He and Alicia shared in all of life’s wonderful adventures during their 68 years of loving marriage. They were blessed in raising eight wonderful children in Glen Cove, New York with an undying commitment to outdoor travels, education, and civic duty. Eugene was a dedicated Assistant Scoutmaster for Boy Scout Troop 184, Glen Cove, where he provided leadership and mentorship to scouts including several of his sons. This was an extension of the devotion he gave to his family and community throughout his life.
He passed on the indelible qualities and memories of family activities, including a well-planned (as an engineer would do) six-week cross-country trip in 1972. Tightly fitted in their Pontiac Catalina station wagon and Apache pop-up camper, the family visited over 35 states and experienced some of the most iconic National Parks. Eugene’s love for the outdoors and nature translated into his enjoyment of hiking, golfing, bird sighting, and beach-going throughout retirement. He delighted in the companionship of many family animals that were part of his life. His children loved his eclectic taste in music that ranged from the nostalgic classics to the energy of new genres. He relished his visits to family members and vacations at Myrtle Beach, where he extended his talent of bodysurfing from his children to grandchildren.
Eugene was a man of deep faith, which drew him to serve as a lector and Eucharistic minister for St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Glen Cove, NY and Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Brevard, NC. He also was proud member of the Knights of Columbus.
He is survived by his wife Alicia, 7 children, 17 grandchildren, and one great grandchild: Bob, his wife Helen, their children Lauren and Justin, along with great grandchild Camille; Steve and children Amy and Thomas; Paul, his wife Laurie, and their children Casey (deceased), Kylee and Ryan; Eugene and his wife Sonia; John, his wife Darlene, and their children Connor and Caitlyn; Mary (deceased), her husband Bernie Powell, and their children Kirstyn, Morgan, and Kelsey; George and his children Elsa, Kaspar, and Heli; and Ann, her husband Scott Shellhaas, their children Nathan, Matthew, and Noah.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the National Park Foundation.
A Memorial Mass will be held 10am, Saturday, May 1, 2021 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church.
Online condolences may be left at www.moodyconnollyfuneralhome.com
Moody-Connolly Funeral Home and Crematory are caring for the family.
Son of beloved parents, Elsie and George Dittmeier, Eugene was born in Richmond Hill New York. He was a proud Navy veteran of WWII, serving as part of the occupation forces in Japan. After receiving a degree in mechanical engineering from the Stevens Institute of Technology, he enjoyed a 37-year career with the Long Island Lighting Company, attaining the title of Chief Engineer until retirement. He and Alicia shared in all of life’s wonderful adventures during their 68 years of loving marriage. They were blessed in raising eight wonderful children in Glen Cove, New York with an undying commitment to outdoor travels, education, and civic duty. Eugene was a dedicated Assistant Scoutmaster for Boy Scout Troop 184, Glen Cove, where he provided leadership and mentorship to scouts including several of his sons. This was an extension of the devotion he gave to his family and community throughout his life.
He passed on the indelible qualities and memories of family activities, including a well-planned (as an engineer would do) six-week cross-country trip in 1972. Tightly fitted in their Pontiac Catalina station wagon and Apache pop-up camper, the family visited over 35 states and experienced some of the most iconic National Parks. Eugene’s love for the outdoors and nature translated into his enjoyment of hiking, golfing, bird sighting, and beach-going throughout retirement. He delighted in the companionship of many family animals that were part of his life. His children loved his eclectic taste in music that ranged from the nostalgic classics to the energy of new genres. He relished his visits to family members and vacations at Myrtle Beach, where he extended his talent of bodysurfing from his children to grandchildren.
Eugene was a man of deep faith, which drew him to serve as a lector and Eucharistic minister for St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Glen Cove, NY and Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Brevard, NC. He also was proud member of the Knights of Columbus.
He is survived by his wife Alicia, 7 children, 17 grandchildren, and one great grandchild: Bob, his wife Helen, their children Lauren and Justin, along with great grandchild Camille; Steve and children Amy and Thomas; Paul, his wife Laurie, and their children Casey (deceased), Kylee and Ryan; Eugene and his wife Sonia; John, his wife Darlene, and their children Connor and Caitlyn; Mary (deceased), her husband Bernie Powell, and their children Kirstyn, Morgan, and Kelsey; George and his children Elsa, Kaspar, and Heli; and Ann, her husband Scott Shellhaas, their children Nathan, Matthew, and Noah.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the National Park Foundation.
A Memorial Mass will be held 10am, Saturday, May 1, 2021 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church.
Online condolences may be left at www.moodyconnollyfuneralhome.com
Moody-Connolly Funeral Home and Crematory are caring for the family.