John Louis Dittmer

John L. Dittmer, 82, passed away on Saturday, December 18, 2010 at the Stratton VA Medical Center. John was born and educated in Albany, NY. John was retired and had worked as an insurance inspector for various insurance inspection agencies. He still retained a part time position with these firms after his retirement. John served with the 3rd Marine Amphibious Corps and the 1st Marine Division located in China, at the end of World War II. They were, at that time, repatriating the Japanese POW's back to their homeland, and protecting them from the wrath of the Chinese people, whose land they had ravaged for many years and returning China back to normal. For this, he and his fellow Marines were awarded the China War Memorial Medal by the grateful Chinese Nationalist government. John was a member of the Joseph E. Zaloga Post, American Legion post 1520. He was a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, post 15033, he was also a life member of The Capt. Wm. Dale O'Brien Detachment Marine Corps League; he was a member of the China Marine Association, as well as the 1st Marine Division Association. He was a former Chaplain for the Capt. Wm. Dale O'Brien Detachment, Marine Corps League, as well as NY State Chaplain for the Marine Corps League.
John is survived by his wife, Phyllis (Siciliano) Dittmer, his two daughters, Patricia Simmons and Catherine Nailor, three grandchildren, David Ross, Kelly and Steven Simmons all of whom he adored. He is also Survived by, one brother, Frederick Dittmer of Schenectady, as well as nephews, nieces and cousins.
Funeral services will be Thursday at 11 am at New Comer Cannon Funeral Home, 343 New Karner Rd., Colonie. Calling hours will Wednesday, from 4 to 7 at the funeral home. Interment will follow the service at the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery at 1 pm.