1924
Howard
2016
Howard Dittmeier
February 6, 1924 — July 30, 2016
During WW2, at the age of 19, he was drafted into the Army Air Corp. He served in the XII Bomber Command, Army Air Force 1943-1945 achieving the rank of Staff Sergeant. He flew as radio gunner and engine mechanic on Mitchell B-25 bombers flying 66 missions in the North Apennines; Balkans Rome-Arno, and Southern France Battles/Campaigns earning the Air Medal with six Gold Leaf Clusters. Receiving an honorable discharge, he returned to New Jersey where he received training as a master welder and worked for Westinghouse Elevator Division in Dover, NJ for over 30 years.
In 1951, Howard met Helen Ann Mercier of Manchester, VT, at the Stagecoach Barn Dance in Ira, VT. They married October 11, 1952 and lived in Bloomfield, Cedar Knolls and Port Murray, New Jersey over a span of 54 years, later moving to North Bennington, VT in 2006. Howard was a devoted husband and father. He was an avid gardener and proud of his annual raspberry crop. He was a superb baker of fruit pies and cakes, which he readily shared with family and friends.
Howard leaves behind his daughter, Nannette and her husband, Robert Lowary, of North Bennington. Howard also leaves behind a grandson, Dennis Lowary and his wife, Janice, and great grandson, Zachary, of Lebanon, NJ, and a granddaughter, Tara Lowary of North Bennington, VT. Howard is survived by 14 nieces and nephews; and his sister-in-law, Elinor Hyjek of Shaftsbury. He also leaves behind his beloved companion of 4 years, his cat, Aiki.
Predeceased are his wife of 60 years, Helen Ann Mercier; his brothers Arthur, Ralph, Karl, Stewart; and his sister, Helen Smith. He was also predeceased by best friends, Dolores and Robert Wright, of Cedar Knolls, NJ.
The funeral service today, Thursday, August 4, 2016 at 4:00PM, will be held from the Mahar & Son Funeral Home in Bennington. A graveside service will take place at a future date.
Thank you to the Bennington Hospice staff for their service and attention to Howard's comfort in his final days.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Bennington County Coalition for the Homeless, in care of Mahar & Son Funeral Home, 628 Main Street, Bennington, VT 05255
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Howard Dittmeier, please visit our flower store.
Service Schedule
Past Services
Service Information
Thursday, August 4, 2016
Starts at 4:00 pm (Eastern time)
E. P. Mahar and Son Funeral Home
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