Dakota Dittrich

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Dakota James Dittrich, age 36, of Columbia, Tennessee, on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, from a sudden and unexpected illness, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on April 13, 1989, in Oil City, PA. He was a beloved son, brother, and devoted father to his two cherished children, Rory Dittrich and Gracie Dittrich, who were the center of his world. His love for them was endless, and he took great joy in being their dad.

Dakota served in the Army and had over ten years of service to his country. He was a computer information technology specialist who did multiple combat tours to Iraq/Afghanistan. His awards include: Afghanistan campaign medal with a campaign star; Iraqi campaign medal with two campaign stars; three Army commendation Medals; two Army Achievement medals; Meritorious Unit Commendation; two Army Good Conduct Medals; National Defense Service Medal and a Global War on Terror Expeditionary Medal.

He enjoyed working as a Technology Consultant for AO Smith, where he was employed for many years.

He is survived by his loving family, including his parents; Mark and Nikki Dittrich of Atlantic, PA; his son, Rory Dittrich and daughter, Gracie Dittrich of Columbia, Tennessee; his two brothers, Tucker Dittrich of Springhill, Tennessee and Tanner Dittrich and his wife, Leigh (along with their daughter, Ophelia) of Seoul, S. Korea; his maternal grandparents, William and Barbara Irwin of Atlantic, PA; his paternal grandfather; Bernard Dittrich of Brunswick, Ohio; various aunts and uncles; Julie Myers and her husband Mitchell of Brunswick, Ohio; Maria Kahle and her husband, Frank of Strongsville, Ohio; Lauri Greenawalt and her husband, Robert of Atlantic, PA; Larry “Scott” Haas and his wife, Cindy of Meadville, PA; Shannon Irwin and his wife, Brenda of Centerville, PA; Matthew Irwin and his wife, Dorothy of Harmonsburg, PA and many cousins who will forever hold his memory close to their hearts.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandmother, Joanna Marie Dittrich of Titusville, PA.

He will be dearly missed, but remembered for his kind spirit, his contagious laughter, and the genuine love he gave so freely. Though he is no longer with us, his light will continue to live on in the lives he touched and in the hearts of those who loved him.

Family and friends are invited to call at Tedesco-Dickson Funeral Home, 130 N. Second St., Conneaut Lake, PA on Thursday April 2, 2026 from 12-1 pm. A funeral service officiated by Pastor Adam Schooley of Victory Family Church will take place at 1:00 pm at the funeral home and a private Celebration of Life will be held by his family immediately afterward. Luncheon will be provided at the East Fallowfield IOOF ODD Fellows Building located at 9375 Atlantic Rd., Atlantic, PA, following the Ceremony.

Memorial donations and flowers may be sent in care of the Tedesco-Dickson Funeral Home.

He will be deeply missed and forever loved.

Please sign Dakota’s online guestbook at www.hatheway-tedesco.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Tedesco-Dickson Funeral Home and Crematory, 130 N. 2nd St. Conneaut Lake, PA 16316, Rocco R. Tedesco III, Supervisor.