10/22/2025
George Robert Dittrich (Bob), 69, passed away on October 6, 2025 with his loving wife, Cathie, at his side.
Bob grew up in Baltimore, Maryland, the son of George Aloysius Dittrich and Mary Spangler Dittrich (both deceased). He attended Calvert Hall College (high school) where he excelled at math and sciences and was a 4 year member of the National Honor Society. During his high school years, Bob worked at the Northeast YMCA in Baltimore where he did it all. Whether it was coordinating white water rafting trips, performing maintenance, or directing the day-to-day work activities of the summer team, Bob was known for collaborative leadership and leading by example.
His love of sciences and problem solving led him to Virginia Tech after having been awarded a 4 year scholarship from Martin Marietta. The scholarship also included a one year internship where he worked on components of the original USAF B-1A rudder system that carried over to the B-1B production version. In addition to his internship, Bob was also a Resident Advisor, and later a Head R.A. It was in this role, he met his future wife, Cathie, when he interviewed her for a resident advisor position.
After graduating from Virginia Tech with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, he accepted a job with Proctor & Gamble (P&G) in Greenville, NC, where he became known for his innovative problem solving and received numerous recognitions. Three years later, he was promoted to P&G Headquarters in Cincinnati, Ohio to lead efficiency improvement teams.
Home renovation projects became the mainstay of the first half of Bob and Cathie's marriage. Starting with their home renovation project in Greenville, they became the original 'Chip and Joanna'. They took on additional projects in Cincinnati, completely gutting and renovating two homes, and finally turning their seasonal cottage in Maine into a full-time residence.
After 12 years at P&G Bob decided to pivot his career, applying his building skills to start a home renovation business. Two years later, he pivoted again when he was recruited by Market Decisions (later Neilson Media Research) to develop software for marketing and data analytics.
When Bob was diagnosed with cancer in 2005, he and Cathie decided to make Maine their full-time residence. With this move, Bob became a telecommuting pioneer when Nielson allowed him to work remotely from his home office in Maine, where his family affectionately referred to him as "Bob in the attic".
While their lives often centered around cancer treatments, Bob still managed to engage in life. When health allowed, he took on home improvement projects, was an avid golfer and volunteer road "commissioner" (taking on the somewhat thankless job of repairing and maintaining roads in his neighborhood). When Cathie bought a rotting, disassembled, vintage Airstream some spouses would have considered divorce, but Bob the Builder learned a new set of skills and made it whole again.
To say "Bob fought the good fight" in his years of battling cancer, would be an understatement. From the beginning he took charge of his cancer journey. He researched treatments options, drugs, medical terminology. He opened his mind, heart and soul to options both traditional and holistic. He embraced technology, tracked his numbers, read his charts, worked the patient portals. His in-depth research and ability to engage in technical conversations with health professionals often influenced the course of his treatments. He participated in numerous cancer treatment trials that, if not successful in extending his life, helped push forward the science for others. He made friends and advocates who would follow Bob's case even when they were not, or no longer, involved in his primary care. And along the way, he gained deep respect and appreciation for the medical community.
Throughout his life, the generosity of his spirit shined through. He was always quick to lend a hand, solve a problem, or help in any way possible. Bob was quick witted and "gave as good as he got". He was also a stellar listener who cared deeply about what you were sharing. As a result of his 21-year battle with cancer, he felt so ingratiated toward the people who cared for him along the way, he wrote a book titled 'Angels on Our Journey' to document their impact.
Bob will be greatly missed by all his family and friends. He was unique and irreplaceable. But we will remember and carry on with his good spirit, kind heart, and sunny outlook.
Bob is survived by his wife, Cathie, sister Pat Krastel, mother-in-law, Jackie Tondreau, siblings-in-law, Fred Krastel, Susan Tondreau-Dwyer, Dwight Dwyer, Lisa Tondreau, David Tondreau, Jr, and Linda Cordovana; nieces and nephews, Joe Krastel, Laura Kangas, Matthew Krastel, Ellie Miller, Brigette Tondreau, David Tondreau, III, Alexis Fahrney, and Clay Tondreau.
The family will announce the date of a graveside service in the near future. In memory of Bob and in lieu of flowers: give a big hug to someone who needs one, thank a medical professional for their service, and please consider making a donation to support the construction of MaineHealth Mid Coast Hospital's new Cancer Care Center. Gifts can be online or directed to MaineHealth Mid Coast Hospital, PO Box 279, Brunswick ME 04011. "Cancer Care Capital Campaign" should be written in the memo line or included with the gift.
https://www.mainehealth.org/mainehealth-mid-coast-hospital/giving-mainehealth-mid-coast-hospital/donate-now-mainehealth-mid-coast-hospital