Richard Ditto

ROCKY RIVER -- Richard "Dick" L. Ditto, 88, passed away peacefully in Rocky River, Ohio on June 29th, 2023 after a brief illness. He was receded in death by his beloved wife Jo in 2015. He was surrounded by family, engaging with his wry sense of humor to the very end.

Dick was born in Van Wert, Ohio, grew up in Middlepoint, Ohio and graduated from Van Wert High School in 1952. He served in the US Navel Reserves from 1952-1960 and went on to earn a bachelors degree from Bowling Green State University in accounting that eventually led to his CPA license and a stint with Ernst & Ernst in the late 1050's to early 60's.

During and after Ernst & Ernst, he embarked on a career of leadership, politics, and small business. His first leadership role was in serving as president of the Lima Junior Chamber of Commerce and he subsequently served as the Ohio State Treasurer of that organization. The course of his life changed when he became interested in politics in the late 60's and served in various elective offices over the years including as the mayor of Elida, Ohio, Allen County Auditor, State Senator for the 12th district, and Allen County Treasurer. After serving as State Senator he founded a local accounting firm, R.L.Ditto & Associates, with his son Howard and eventually including his grandson Joe.

After retirement in 1997, Jo and him fulfilled a dream and began the full time RV life. The "Traveling Ditto's" circled the country and parts of Europe for 10 years before settling down in Alabama. in 2014, they moved back to Ohio to be near family.

Dick is survived by his children, Howard L. (Ruth) Ditto of Cairo, OH, Dr. Steven R.(Mary) Ditto of Cleveland, OH, and Kevin D. Ditto (Scott) of Strongsville, OH; grandchildren Joseph (Maggie) of Lima, OH, Mandy Ditto of Lima, OH, James (Rochelle) of Pensicola, FL, Veronica Ditto of Lakewood, OH, Chelsea (Ted) Zimmer of Rocky River, OH, Lindsay Weeast of North Canton, OH and 11 great grandchildren. He is also suvived by 4 brothers, Charles (Mary) Ditto of Ada, OH, Joseph Ditto of Andersonville, IN, Tom(Cheryl) Ditto of NC, Ronald Ditto of Tiffin, OH and sister Nancy Sanderson of Hilliard, OH.

A memorial service will be held with teh date and place to be announced

Preferred memorials are to the Parkinson's Support Group, PO Box 18721 Huntsville, AL 35804 or Hospice of the Western Reserve, 17876 St. Clair Ave., Cleveland, OHIO 44110.