Dateline:  Apex, NC
 
Robert Edward Dittfield, 86, passed away at Duke University Medical Center on Saturday, May 30, 2009.  He was born in Utica, NY on November 24, 1922 to the late Ethel Edwards and Paul Dittfield.  He was a World War II Veteran during which time he studied in Coyne Electrical School in Chicago.  He was with the 791st Anti-Aircraft Artillery in England before going into France shortly after the D-Day Invasion.
 
Bob was an electrician who worked for Westinghouse Electric Company before transferring to Bendix Corp. in Utica, NY, which later became Lucas.  He also took studies in Mohawk Valley Community College, Utica, NY and became an Electronic Technician.
 
He and his wife, Leona, who were married over 60 years, spent their summer vacations tenting on the St. Lawrence River with their children.  After he retired on February 29, 1988, they became summer residents in Cape Vincent, NY and he continued to enjoy fishing and boating and family get-togethers there.  They moved to Apex, NC in January 1992 and continued to spend four months at their summer residence each year.
 
He was a member of St. Andrews the Apostle Church, Apex, NC and of St. Vincent Of Paul Church, Cape Vincent, NY where he will be laid to rest in their cemetery over-looking the St. Lawrence River.
 
Bob is survived by his wife Leona Ostrouch Dittfield and children:  Paula (husband John) Brown, D. Tim Dittfield, Ginny (husband Ed) Dudek, Dennis (wife Vicky) Dittfield and Anne Marie Madden (fiancé John Cotton).  He also leaves behind his grandchildren: Marc, Eric and Jocelyn Dudek (fiancé John Fogelman), Jason (wife Jennifer) Brown, Steve (wife Ali) Brown, Pam Madden (husband Mike) Cotton and Mike Madden (fiancée Blair Harrison). He was predeceased by first granddaughter Jennifer Madden) in 1997.
 
He leaves six great-grandchildren, Brandon and Leah Brown, Drew and Collin Dudek and Tyler and Cooper Brown.
 
Bob was a 66 year member of the Knights of Columbus Council No. 189 in Utica, NY and became an Honorary Life Member. He was also a life member in the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7383, Cary, NC and the American Legion Post 1113,Whitesboro, NY.
 
A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Andrews Catholic Church, Apex, NC on Saturday, June 13, 2009 at 11 AM.  Internment will take place in St. Vincent Of Paul Cemetary on Saturday, June 20, 2009 following a 10am memorial mass.  Please visit www.willifordfuneralhome.com to leave condolences.  Services entrusted to Williford Funeral Home, 201 E. Academy Street, Fuquay Varina, NC  919-552-2211.