Jere’ W. Dittrich

Jere' Wayne Dittrich, 65, of Longmeadow and West Brookfield, Massachusetts died peacefully at home on September 3, 2025, following a long battle with early onset Alzheimer's Disease. Unsurprisingly, Jere's loving husband Scott Hanson was right by his side, where he had been through every step of this long journey with Alzheimer's.
Renowned for his sense of humor, his willingness and ability to fix just about anything, his love for playing pranks on his many nieces and nephews, and for being a kind, caring and helpful friend, Jere' will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Jere' was born in Johnson City, NY. He graduated from SUNY Oswego and St. Francis School of Nursing before receiving his Masters in Psychiatric Nursing from Yale University in 1994. Over his 30+ year career in Psychiatric Nursing, he served as a Nursing Director at several area hospitals. Patients and employees alike loved his approach to managing care. He was also a Clinical Instructor and Assistant Professor, who loved teaching and mentoring students in Psychiatric Nursing.
He met his husband Scott at a picnic 42 years ago. Their life together spanned many locations in Connecticut and Massachusetts. They lovingly renovated many homes, with Jere' taking on projects from wiring, plumbing, painting and carpentry. They traveled locally and internationally, but Jere' loved nothing more than spending time at their West Brookfield home on Lake Wickaboag or his grandparents' getaway at Stanley Lake in Pennsylvania. Jere' and Scott were married in 2007, and in July they celebrated 42 years together.
In addition to his spouse Scott, Jere' leaves behind his mother Antonia Dittrich, sister Debbie Dittrich, brother Scott (Judy) Dittrich, mother-in-law Grace Hanson, sisters-in-law Sarah Hanson and Debra (Linda) Loomis, and brother-in-law Todd (Barb) Hanson. He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, great nieces & nephews, and countless friends. Jere' was pre-deceased by his father David Dittrich, father-in-law George Hanson, brother-in-law Jeff Hanson, niece Lyz Spahn and beloved dog Kyla.
As his disease progressed, Jere's care needs were extensive. Special thanks to the many people who made it possible for Jere' to stay at home, specifically his terrific home care providers who brought love, energy and a quality of empathetic care like that which Jere' himself provided throughout his own nursing career. Thank you to Shaq, Pet, Andre, Maria, Yadi and Katie, his care team at Baystate Hospice led by nurses Carolyn and Diane, and the many friends, family, and neighbors who supported Jere's care and assisted Scott in countless ways.
All are invited to the Celebration of Jere's life on Tuesday, September 16th, 4:00 p.m., at South Congregational Church, 45 Maple Street in Springfield.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, Baystate Hospice or the T. J. O'Connor Animal Rescue Center.
Most of all, Jere' would love nothing more than if you tip a glass of wine and listen to some great rock & roll with those you love. Cheers to a life well lived!
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