Francis 'Frankie' Ditman, Milton volunteer

Francis "Frankie" Ditman, 63 of Milton, formerly of Baltimore, Md., died at home Saturday, March 30, 2013.

He was born in Baltimore, Nov. 6, 1949, and served in the U.S. Navy. He was a carpenter prior to becoming disabled. He moved to Milton five years ago and became involved in the community. He was chaplain for the Milton VFW and the ladies auxiliary where he helped with Friday night dinners. He worked on the pirate ship in Lewes and raced turtles to help raise money for the Clam Jam, the Orchid Society and Milton Garden Club. He designed the landscaping for Irish Eyes. He was gifted at quilling and various pieces of his art are throughout museum gift shops in the Baltimore area. He was preceded in death by his father, Edward Ditman.

He is survived by his loving mother: Mary Noreen Ditman Rausch; two children: Karla Pahel and Laura Champion; sisters: Mary Rita Grant and Patricia Ditman; three grandchildren: Jonah, Aidan, and Devin; several nieces and nephews; and his companion: Deborah Dobias.

A funeral service will be held at 11:30 a.m.,Friday, April 5, in the chapel of Short Funeral Services, 416 Federal St., Milton, with visitation after 10:30 a.m. Burial will immediately follow at Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Millsboro.

A Memorial Mass will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, April 13, at St. Joseph Monastery Church, 3801 Old Frederick Road, Baltimore.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Make a Wish Foundation, Clam Jam, or the Milton Garden Club, P.O. Box 203, Milton, DE 19968.