Robert J. Ditchman

Robert J. Ditchman, 84, of Mentor on the Lake, died February 8, 2023 at University Hospitals Lake West Medical Center in Willoughby. He was born May 19, 1938 in Cleveland. Robert worked in the grocery retail business for over 40 years and was a proud member of the United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 880. He left a strong impression on everyone he worked with and was known for his strong work ethic and jovial attitude. Robert loved the outdoors and was very physically active throughout his life including his later years. He enjoyed gardening and construction in equal measure. A few of his accomplishments included building an addition to his home, renovating his sister’s home and constructing a workshop for his projects. He enjoyed helping friends and neighbors whenever he was able. Robert also had a strong love of poetry. His preference was for love poems and those of a more sentimental nature. Robert has written many dozens of poems over his lifetime, some of which he had published online. Ultimately Robert would say that his greatest accomplishments were his two children, Christopher and Nicole. He was a gentle soul who loved unconditionally. All he ever wanted in life was to love and be loved. A father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend; he will be missed. Survivors include his children, Christopher Ditchman, and Nicole (Gordon) Taylor; granddaughter, Cecelia Taylor; his sister, Jane Donovan, and numerous nieces and nephews. . He was preceded in death by his wife, Friedwine “Freddy” Ditchman; parents, John and Wilhelmina Ditchman; and several loving sisters and brothers. The family will receive friends from 4-6 p.m. Saturday, February 18, 2023 at the Brunner Sanden Deitrick Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 8466 Mentor Ave., Mentor, OH 44060. A service to conclude the gathering will begin at 6 p.m. on Saturday at the funeral home. Private family interment will be held in Whitehaven Memorial Park at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or to the City Mission of Cleveland. Please offer condolences at www.brunners.com.

Robert J. Ditchman

May 19, 1938 - February 8, 2023