Terry Lee Dittman

     Terry Lee Dittman, 77, of Knox, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by the love of his family and friends, early Saturday morning, June 7, 2025.

     Born January 30, 1948, at Oil City Hospital, he was the son of the late Neil and Dorothy (Meier) Dittman.

     Terry is survived by his devoted wife of over 50 years, Karen Don (O’Neil) Dittman, and their two sons: Lonnie G. Dittman and wife, Diane, of Las Vegas, Nevada, and Lance G. Dittman and wife, Jaunna, of Clarion. He was a proud and loving grandfather to Shamecka Dittman of Tyler, Texas, and Aaliyah Dittman and Rihanna Dittman of Clarion. His grandchildren were the light of his life, and he always put them first—cherishing every moment spent with them.

     Also surviving are his siblings:  Margaret “Peggy” Weaver and husband, Daniel, of Knox; Cathy O’Neill and husband, Terry, of Brookville, and Timothy “Bo” Dittman and wife, Sandra, of Knox; as well as a sister-in-law, Rose Dittman of Parker, and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and close friends.

     Terry honorably served in the United States Army serving in Vietnam during the Vietnam War. He enlisted on November 21, 1966, and was later stationed in Virginia, serving as an aircraft mechanic and crew leader on the CH-47 helicopter. He returned home on August 21, 1969, proud of his service and his country.

     Throughout his life, Terry worked for several coal and limestone companies as a skilled heavy equipment operator. He was known for installing ponds across the area, including the one in his own backyard that brought him great pride. Terry loved caring for his fish, spending countless hours gardening, and working in both his garage and basement—his favorite places to tinker, build, and fix things with his own hands.

     In March 2012, Terry received a double lung transplant, a gift that gave him 13 more cherished years with his loved ones. His family is forever grateful to the outstanding medical teams at UPMC who cared for him with compassion and dedication.

    He was preceded in death by his parents Neil and Dorothy (Meier) Dittman, and his brothers, Gary Dittman and Gerald Dittman.

     Terry will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered for his strength, his service, unwavering love for his family, sarcasm, laughing at his own jokes, and the pride he took in his work and home.

     Family and friends will be received from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at the William N. Rupert Mortuary, Inc., 430 Mendenhall Avenue, Knox.

     Military Honors will be accorded by the Berlin-Bowser American Legion Post #720 of Knox at 10 a.m. Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at the Grace E.C. Church, 2561 Grace Church Road, Knox, and will lead into the funeral service officiated by Reverend Lewie Bennett.

      A luncheon will immediately follow the service.

     Interment will take place at Starr Cemetery in Ninevah at a later date. 

     Online condolences may be sent to Terry’s family at www.rupertfuneralhomes.com

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