William Ambrose Ditz

     William Ambrose Ditz, age 90 of Venus, passed away at home, early Saturday morning April 12, 2025 following a brief illness.

      Born December 26, 1934 in Lucinda, he was the son of the late Ambrose Ditz and Edna Smerker Ditz.

      He was married to Freda M. Rex Ditz, whom he married on June 18, 1955, who preceded him in death on March 6, 2017.

      William graduated from Shippenville-Elk High School. He was a United States Army veteran, where he received the good conduct medal.

      He was employed at the First United National Bank in Fryburg for 57 years from October 19, 1953, retired in April 26, 2011. Serving in capacities ranging from Teller to Vice President. He was on TDY for two of the 57 years serving in the Army. He was a lifelong member of the St. Michael’s Roman Catholic Church where he served many terms on Parish Council. He was the organizer and co-chairman along with his wife of the weekly St. Michael’s school bingo game for 38 years from 1976-2014. He served in all offices of the St. Michael’s home and school association and the St. Michael’s Society. He was an active member and treasurer of the Monsignor Theobald Council of the Knights of Columbus. He served as an Usher, Eucharistic Minister, Welcoming Committee, Lector for 48 years, and was involved in the establishment of the Monsignor Theobald memorial development fund, and served 44 years on the annual Octoberfest Committee. He was a rosary leader for 15 years, and a past member of the advisory board of Venango Catholic High school in Oil City. 

     William was the Grand Marshal of the Mayfest parade in 2016, he also received the Monsignor Theobald award for outstanding service to the parish.

     He enjoyed playing cards, spending time with his family, and square dancing.

     William is survived by three children, William (Kimberly) D. Ditz of Lewis Run, PA, Diane (Raymond) Lutz of Lucinda, and Carol Lander of Fryburg. Eight Grandchildren, Melissa (Ryan) Bann, Alicia (Joshua) Holliday, Katherine Lutz, Andrew Lutz, Sara (Ryan) Irwin, Rebecca Lander, David Ditz, Joseph Ditz; Two Great Grand Daughters, Madison and Morgan Bann.

     Also surviving is a sister, Margaret “Peg” Zacherl.

     In addition to his parents, William was preceded in death by his wife, two infant children, Robert and Kathy, a son in law Marvin Lander Jr., two brothers James Ditz and Paul Ditz, and an infant brother Leonard.

      Family and friends will be received from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, April 15, 2025 at the Faller/Rupert Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 19200 Route 208, Fryburg.

      Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 16, 2025 at St. Michael Church, 18765 Route 208, Fryburg.  Father Michael Polinek, parish priest, will serve as celebrant.

     Interment will follow in St. Michael’s Cemetery in Fryburg.

     William’s final endeavor “has been the Compilation and upgrading of “The people of St. Michael’s” and will, hopefully, be taken over by someone, who will see it’s continuance to go on and on.”

     In Lieu of Flowers Memorial Donations may be given in the name of William Ditz to St. Michael Church, P.O. Box 9, Lucinda, PA 16235.

      Online condolences may be sent to William’s family at www.fallerfuneralhome.com.