Robert "Mex" J Ditz

Robert J. “Mex” Ditz, 90, a lifelong resident of Fryburg passed away peacefully on Friday, August 26, 2011 at his home.

 

Born July 31, 1921, to Aloisius and Emma Ditz. He and his six siblings were born in what is now the Washington House in Fryburg.

 

He graduated in 1938 from Shippenville High School and then went to work on the farm with his father. The family sold milk during the Depression and after Mex’s father passed away, the farm was operated by Mex and his brother, Judd. After 50 years of farming, Mex retired in 1986.

 

On Feb. 14, 1998, at age 77 Mex married his beloved Julia Walter Ditz and she preceded him in death in 2009.

 

An avid and knowledgeable collector of American Indian artifacts, especially the Iroquois, the Hopewell and the Adeana Indians, Mex traveled to various schools in Clarion County to share his knowledge and his artifact collection. The farm has also hosted many field trips from St. Michael School in Fryburg.

 

Mex was a lifetime member of St. Michael Church in Fryburg where his love of singing led him to become a choir member. He belonged to the choir for 67 years. He was also the singing teacher at St. Michael School for five years. Mex was a supporter of the OctoberFest held every year at St. Michael School and he was founding member of the Fryburg Sportsman’s Club in Fryburg. He spent his life learning, sharing and embracing change.

 

Mex is survived by his step-children Judy Fitzgerald of Leeper and Diane Schrecengost and her husband Ron of Corry. His brother Gerald(Judd) and sister Francis(Sis) Ochs, Ruth Jennerate, and Joan(Bob) Donahue also survive. Mex also had six step-grandchildren, eight step-great-grandchildren, one step-great-great-grandchild and numerous nieces and nephews also surviving.

 

He was preceded in death by his parents and wife, an infant brother, and sisters: Mary Rose Ditz, and Agnes(Aggie) McCloskey.

 

As per his request there will be no public visitation. A Mass of a Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11am  on Monday, August 29, 2011 at St. Michael Church in Fryburg with Rev. DG Davis III, Pastor as the Celebrant.

 

Memorials may be made to the Choir Fund at St. Michael Church in his honor.

 

Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.fallerfuneralhome.com