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BORN
1940
DIED
2025
FUNERAL HOME
Dana Ditmore Obituary
Dana is survived by his beloved first wife Elaine, and their children: John (Liz), Chris (Robyn) and Donna; his three nieces: Alicia Albanez (Albert), Kelli Ringer and Juli Hall (Rhett)-whom he lovingly raised as his own daughters after the passing of their mother, his dear sister.
Dana leaves behind his grandchildren: Joshua Ditmore, Zachary and Ashley Ditmore, Parker, Emma and Katie Latham, Kayleigh Marruffo (Nathan), Calvin Difalco, Rio Albanez, Billy Archbold, Logan, Cade (Abby), Eli and Rhys Hall; and his great-grandchildren: Nathan, Landon and Bayleigh Marruffo. He is also survived by his brother-in-law Gary Cox; his wife Marjorie; and their daughters: Debbie Bond (Mike) and Cyndi Neaves (FM); his brother-in-law Dennis Cox and his daughter Linda Ann.
Dana was preceded in death by his parents, Earl Ditmore and Mary Elizabeth Ditmore and his sister Donna Leah Vawser.
Dana was born on December 31, 1940, in Bakersfield. California.? His family later moved to Stockton, where he attended Lincoln High School. It was here where he courted his little sister's friend Elaine Cox. Shortly thereafter, over a frosty mug of A&W root beer, the love affair began. They were married on June 16, 1962.
After 2 years at Stockton College, Dana transferred to the University of California, Berkeley and earned both a Bachelors of Science and Masters degree in Mechanical Engineering.
Dana and Elaine moved to San Jose in 1963 to start their family and begin his 16-year career as an Executive at General Electric. In 1979, Dana was recruited by Applied Materials where he spent the next 18 years building a Customer Service business centered around his core belief of giving of one's self to help others. This remains a core principle at Applied Materials and is one of the many legacies he leaves behind.
In 1997, Dana semi-retired to start his own consulting business, Oak Valley Consulting. Shortly after his "retirement" which he jokingly said he failed miserably at, he took on a Vice-President role at Lam Research (1998-2000) and led Tru-Si Technology as President & COO from 2000-2002.
As impressive as Dana's business credentials are, they pale by comparison to the love he felt for his family and his philanthropic endeavors.
In 1979 Dana, Elaine and their 3 children moved to Morgan Hill where they established strong roots in the community. He was an active member of the Rotary Club of Morgan Hill and sat on the boards of various corporate and non-profit organizations, some of which include: The Healthier Kids Foundation, The Charter School of Morgan Hill Foundation, SJSU Tower Foundation, Community Solutions, San Jose State and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo College of Engineering Advisory Councils.
Dana cherished spending time with his family, sharing in their joy and participating in their life experiences in any capacity possible. The love he shared extends far beyond his immediate family and continues to impact the lives of many. This includes a special relationship with his German "daughter" Brigitta Graf.
Dana enjoyed being physically active and fit. Over the years he participated in various activities including: running, basketball, tennis, skiing, mountain biking and various cardio exercises at the gym.
Dana found great joy in music, whether listening to it or playing it himself. He played the trumpet and bugle and was known to wake the visiting grandkids up with a rendition of Reveille in the mornings just for the giggles it would inspire. He and Elaine had a great time going out dancing or just dancing in the kitchen to a catchy bluegrass or country tune which often led to an impromptu dance party with family and friends. They often attended live music events, a favorite being the annual Telluride Bluegrass Festival in CO.
The family will have a private burial at Gavilan Hills Cemetery in Gilroy.
An Open House Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, July 27, 2025 between 12:30pm - 3:30pm at Mama Mia's Restaurant, 275 East Dunne, Morgan Hill. Kindly RSVP to: [email protected] .
To honor Dana's memory, the family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Community Solutions (https://www.communitysolutions.org) or the Healthier Kids Foundation (https://hkidsf.org) .
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Dana Ditmore
Sponsored by Lima-Campagna-Johnson Funeral Home - Morgan Hill.
Phil Acomb
August 18, 2025
I worked with Dana´s son, John and knew of Dana from Amat field engineers that I crossed paths with at customer sites. They always had positive respectful things to say about his leadership and about him. I met Dana once when I was traveling for work with John, and he treated me warmly and as though I was family - and I still remember that evening fondly 31 years later. He made a difference in the world! My thoughts are with his family.
Mary Roensch
August 13, 2025
I came to know Dana through his service on the Charter School of Morgan Hill and Charter School of Morgan Hill Foundation Boards. He was committed to the work of these organizations and so many others to which he gave his time so generously. He was one of the most special people that I have ever met. I know his memory will be a blessing to his wonderful family and all who were fortunate to call him their friend.
Elizabeth Walter
August 13, 2025
I loved Dana Ditmore since my days at Applied, and was thrilled when he came to work as VP at LRC. He was always good to me and I appreciated his kindness to me. RIP my friend
Ken Rebitz
August 11, 2025
I knew Dana from Applied Materials, where on more than one occasion, the sage advice he gave me helped me. in the product division, to work more effectively with his team, in the service division. Dana was always willing to listen and help further that cooperation and teamwork.
Jim Marshall
July 29, 2025
I first met Dana in 1980 when he recruited me to join Applied Materials. That first introduction resulted in a friendship and professional relationship lasting more than 4 Decades. Dana was a superb human being and a mentor to me in my two separate "tours of duty" at Applied. Dana and Elaine set a great example as a married couple, parents and friends. I always got a kick out of Dana´s referral to Elaine as his "First Wife" - clearly his first and only wife and clearly his First Lady! I will miss his engaging and encouraging character and the love he showed to me and my family. Dana was a person of the highest integrity in my view. Our sincere condolences to the entire Ditmore clan.
Jim Marshall and Gail Parker-Marshall
Neal Schirle
July 24, 2025
Dear Elaine and family,
I am so sorry for your loss-and the world´s loss-of Dana.
I thoroughly enjoyed working with Dana on the Board of the Charter School of Morgan Hill.
He was a bright light of great ideas, good humor, thoughtful leadership and generous with his time.
Dana will be missed.
David G and Phyllis E Johnson
July 22, 2025
I have returned to read every new message that arrives. So many messages speak of Dana's Love of Family and his never-ending Positive Energy. He touched us in exactly the same ways. I am misty-eyed now to know that Dana will be in Heaven's Gate with his warm greetings. I truly find him to be a most remarkable Man. Rest in Peace, Dana. You are in our thoughts.
Leonette Safford
July 21, 2025
Getting to know Dana and Elaine was in the early days when our girls were in Soccer. The soccer parents bonded at every practice and soccer game over 10 years. And continues as the girls continued in High School soccer and grew into beautiful adults. Our relationship bonded us for the rest of our lives, whether it was dancing then2 step at the silver saddle or attending weddings and playing adult soccer or monthly dinners at Rosys wine nights or being part of Morgan Hill Rotary. Dana and his contributions to our community will not be forgotten. Dana´s sprit and goodness will be a shining example for others to inspire to and be an example of true goodness and love for others.
Michael Hegarty
July 21, 2025
I too was also fortunate to cross paths with Dana at Lam where we met regularly . We had many long conversations , and some of them were even work related :0) . His love of life and family came through is all he did . I too am a graduate of Applied Materials , and if it wasn´t for one of the many initiatives championed by Dana when he was there I would not have come to the US in 1995 , and spent the last 30 years here working and raising our family . Dana , you will be missed , but your impact and influence is all around . Thinking of you all . The Hegarty Family
Gary Bultman
July 21, 2025
Memories of Dana go back to the early 80's for both my wife and I. Clydene joined AMAT in 1980 and has very fond memories of working with Dana for over 15 years. He was a fabulous executive, mentor and friend to her.
I first met Dana while working at AT&T Allentown and the two of us hit if off with a shared history of nuclear energy. Dana recruited me to join AMAT in 1983 and I had the pleasure of his leadership and friendship for 40 years, through his and my time at Lam Research. Dana had a huge impact on many lives and careers, his memory will always remain as one of a big smile and a hug every time we met, followed by a sincere "how are you" that you knew he really wanted to hear because he cared. We'll miss you Dana, but your warmth won't fade.
Jim and Becky Morgan
July 18, 2025
Elaine and family,
First Becky, my Family, and I feel very fortunate to know you and Dana over the years. You were also a great example for our Executives at Applied Materials.
I remember when we brought Dana into Applied. I joined Oct 1976. GE was a major investor in Applied from the beginning. I had gotten to know Jack Welch, GE CEO and ask as partner if he could suggest some of the GE high potential executives they might make available to a partner. He provided 10 resumes. I reviewed them and picked 2 including Dana. After an interview and refences checking, we ask Dana to join Applied.
Fortunately, he said yes. The rest is history. As the family knows, Dana´s purpose in life is to give of self to help others. This was part of the core culture he instilled in Applied. This a culture that our customers believed as he built the Customer Service Business. This customer belief was an important component of Applied success. His influence was not just in Service but it was a culture that permeated the entire company. It is fundamental to Applied continuing success in a very challenging business.
He was liked and respected everywhere in the World. For years he has organized a get together of retired executives to celebrate our time together. It was a special gathering of amazing people of different cultures who respected each other and worked effectively together over many years.
Yes, he had an impactful run. We all miss him.
Jim & Becky
Grant Imper
July 8, 2025
I will miss Dana. I had the pleasure to work with him at GE and Applied Materials. Nothing ever shook him; and he was always willing to take the time to help with your issues. Even after he retired, he would check in with me to see how I was doing. I´m guessing as an angel he´ll keep super-busy checking up on all of us...he loves to do that. God bless you, Dana.
Fred May
July 4, 2025
Dana was one of those rare intelligent, personable and out & out true, human being. His character and determination to help in any way he could, out stripped most individuals. With great sympathy, Fred & Diane.
Joe Cao
July 2, 2025
My deepest sympathies on the passing of Dana Ditmore. As a mentor and a friend he made a positive difference in my life
and that of many others. May he rest in peace
Gopal Prabhu
July 2, 2025
RIP Dana. I worked with him at Applied Materials and cherish those times.
Michael Seaver
June 30, 2025
So sad to hear about Dana´s passing. I worked with Dana at Applied Materials and Lam Research. Whenever I saw him, he was quick with a hello, advice and encouragement. He will be missed. RIP Dana.
Joe Dox
June 29, 2025
So sorry to hear about Dana. He was such a cheerful person and always had a smile on his face. Such a big heart helping his sister's family and others around him. Will miss him.
Janene Chernoff
June 28, 2025
Dana was pure love and light, spreading it wherever he went. His generosity knew no bounds. Jeff and I spent one weekend with Dana and Elaine in their SLO home after bidding on a Rotary package they so generously donated. Dana was truly one of a kind, and I will cherish our friendship forever.
Pete Lundquist
June 27, 2025
Thank you for this opportunity to share with Dana's family what a positive force he was in so many lives. Dana offered me the career advice no one else did, took the time to get to know me, my skills and passions, and helped me become a better me. Dana combined a quiet confidence with a willingness to listen. Such an inspiration. So genuine. So consistent in how he treated everyone. What a blessing to have been in his orbit even for a short while.
Louie Arias
June 26, 2025
I was good friends with Dana. He use to visit with me regularly when he came to Lam CA5. Please accept my heartfelt condolences for your loss. Dana was a great human being. Please let me know of his funeral / celebration of life arrangements. I will pray for strength for your family during this difficult time.
AnneMarie Mazotti Gouveia
June 26, 2025
My deepest condolences to the Ditmore family. Dana was a kind and intelligent man; a thoughtful and inspirational leader. The footprints of his life touched many people at Lam Research. He will be missed greatly and I will forever remember his kindness to me.
Dick English
June 26, 2025
Lots of memories from GE, Applied, tennis, skiing, socializing. Hard to imagine a world without Dana.
Colleen and Norman
June 26, 2025
Love our cousin Dana , he will be greatly missed
David Johnson
June 26, 2025
We were so devastated and saddened by Dana's Passing. He and Elaine met us in Morgan Hill back in the 1980's. He always was warm, friendly, Loving and a GREAT friend, wonderful Husband and Father. He treated us with profound respect. Our last Visit was in San Luis Obispo about 5 years ago or so. We enjoyed a Meal, and helped make a Home-Made Apple Pie. We listened to music with he and Elaine and we loved that experience. Rest in Peace, Dana: you were LOVED BY ONE AND ALL!
Therese and Dan Martin
June 25, 2025
To the Ditmore family,
Our deepest condolences. Dana will be missed and we are grateful to have had the privilege of spending time with Dana.
Therese and Dan Martin
Bill and Cathy Allen
June 25, 2025
Sending out love.
Laney Bisbee
June 25, 2025
Sue and I will always cherish our time with Dana and Elaine; they truly enriched our lives and we will carry that friendship with us always.
Richard Punches
June 25, 2025
Dana was one of the most caring and giving person I´ve had the pleasure of knowing almost my entire life. The Ditmore´s were San Jose neighbors to my uncle, and Dana worked with my dad and uncle at GE. Later in life both our families ended up in Morgan Hill where I got to attend school with those awesome Ditmore kids. When I went to college, Dana helped me get summer internships at Applied Materials. Even with all of his success, he continued to selflessly give to his community, friends, and his wonderful family. Condolences to the Ditmore family.
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