Island Pond, Vt. - David John Dittner, 63, of Island Pond, Vt., formerly of Niantic, passed away peacefully with family at his side Feb. 4, 2025, after a 12-year battle with stage 4 prostate cancer. Born May 3, 1961, he was the son of Herbert (predeceased) and Beryle Dittner.

A 1979 graduate of East Lyme High School, David operated landscaping and apartment rental businesses with his brother in the East Lyme area for 20 years. He moved to Island Pond, Vt., in 2001, owning and operating the former Clyde River Hotel and Restaurant with his brother until 2012. He was a volunteer driver for Rural Community Transportation from 2013-2024.

David enjoyed snowmobiling in the Northeast Kingdom and boating along the East Coast from New Jersey to Cape Cod. He loved camping and spending family time with his great-nieces and nephews; they gave him so much joy and brought out his "kid" spirit.

David is survived by his mother; brother Danny (Sarah) Dittner; longtime friend Deborah Stough, all of Island Pond, Vt.; sister Sandra (Daniel) Summers; nephew Frank (Kaitlin) Summers (Mason and Addison); niece Kristin (William) Berghoff (William, Nathan, Lucas and Emma), all of East Lyme; nephew Thomas Noll of Island Pond, Vt.; and niece Christine Noll of Bath, Maine.

Donations can be made to The Patient Caring Fund, P.O. Box 838, Newport, VT, 05855. Online condolences at Curtis-Britch.com. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. May 3, at Christ Lutheran Church, Niantic, CT.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Day on Feb. 21, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for David Dittner

Sponsored by Curtis-Britch & Bouffard Funeral Home - Newport.

13 Entries

Sharon Biron

June 1, 2025

Such a gentleman. David was always kind and interesting and willing to help out. It's rare to find a friend as decent and thoughtful as David. He was always brave and courageous, always seemed to sense when someone else was troubled or going through a difficult time. He had a smile for us all despite him being so ill.
Thank you David for your kindness to me. And please accept my sympathies, Danny and Beryle. I was honored to know David and will always remember him. Rest easy dear friend. I live near the ocean now and each time I see the sunlight sparkling as it dances over a wave I'll know its you. Sharon Biron

Penny Welsh Fairbanks

March 5, 2025

This is such sad news, I knew David in high school and used to run into him around town all of the time. When he and Danny bought the motel in VT he gave me a pen that said “Clyde River Motel” on it during one of those times. Some years later I ran into him in WalMart and I pulled that same pen out of my purse and we got a laugh because I still had it with me from so long ago. David was a good, hard working man. Sending positive thoughts to his family (and Zorro) that they can find peace.

Gerard Grillo

March 3, 2025

I remember working with David at the former David John's restaurant and hanging out after work at his house or my family's summer place at the lake. Dave was the best friend you could have and always cared about everybody. Super high-quality individual. Gerard P. Grillo

Mark Christensen

February 21, 2025

I'm sorry to hear this news. Dave was a classmate of mine in East Lyme, and a good friend back in High School. May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

The Lewis Family

February 21, 2025

To the Dittner family, we are sorry for your loss. David was a great neighbor to us when my family ran The Silver Skate.
Thinking of you all.

Dave Fairman

February 21, 2025

Rest in Peace

Rick & Carmen Menard

February 19, 2025

I so clearly remember meeting David at Tom Hood's Memorial Service last year. He actually spoke and seemed to be a great guy. Our hearts and prayers are with you all.

Herb Lindahl

February 17, 2025

We are very sorry to hear this news. Dave and brother Danny were the smiling faces that always greeted me and my family at Clyde River Hotel when we were staying there every winter to go snomobiling. He helped many times with advice as to the best trails, and even taking time out, to drive me once to pick up a snowmobile from a repair shop, and generally being helpful and making our family feel at home at the hotel. I am glad to have known him and was happy to run into him and Danny a couple years ago at Chez Pigeons where they were enjoying the trails. Thanks Dave, your friendship was appreciated.

Marilyn Maxwell

February 16, 2025

Condolences to the family. K ow he will be greatly missed. He shoveled the sidewalk to the Welcome Center door for me many times and it was greatly appreciated. May memories of Happy times bring you peace.

Cindy Bayreuther McShane

February 13, 2025

I am so sorry to have read of David's passing. I was classmates with him all through school in East Lyme and Niantic. Sending prayers for strength and healing to get through this very difficult time.

RIP Dave<br />We always had a good time at the Clyde

Mike Viggi

February 13, 2025

Danny Dittner

February 12, 2025

My brother, it's hard to believe your gone, it's been one week since God called you home, every night I look into the living room expecting to see you but instead see Zoro on your bed waiting for you, it's so sad. We had great times together, you were the best brother a brother can have. Rest in peace brother, till we meet again, Love Danny

Chris Willis

February 12, 2025

What can I say Dave. We had many discussions about this and you were such a brave soul and faced this with so much strength. I couldn't have asked for a better friend. We definitely were great buds. Till we meet again, RIP and your in great hands now. Just know what agreat friend you were and I will miss sooo much. Love; your Stevie. ❤ Hugs ❤

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