James was born Nov. 4, 1930, in Youngstown, a son of Roger and Julia Labate Ditata.

He was a 1948 graduate of East High School.

James was a truck driver for Giant Eagle, retiring in 1992 after 40 years of service.

He was a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in Austintown and enjoyed bowling, walking and woodworking.

He was a veteran of the Army, serving during the Korean War.

His wife, the former Dorothy Butala, whom he married on July 7, 1979, passed away March 11, 2019.

James will be forever missed and remembered by his family: his children, James R. (Sharon) Ditata of Parma, Kathleen Ditata-Pontius of Austintown, and Richard Richardson and John “Duffey” Richardson, both of Hubbard; grandchildren, Kevin (Jenna) Pontius II, Brett P. Pontius, Joshua J. (Erica) Pontius, Kathryn E. Pontius and Yarnell Allred; and great-grandchildren, Kayla, Brittany, Miciah, Sadie Grace and Maximus. He also leaves his sister, Lucy Glaser of Tice, Fla.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife; his sisters, Lena Ditata, Marie DeSalvo and Rose Como; and brothers, Patrick Ditata, Anthony J. Ditata and Dominic Ditata.

There will be a Mass of Christian burial, with the Rev. Kevin Peters officiating, at 10 a.m. Monday, Dec. 7, 2020, with calling hours prior to the Mass, from 9 to 10 a.m. at Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in Austintown. Due to COVID-19, safety precautions will be taken, the 6-foot rule will be honored and we kindly ask that all guests whose health allow please wear a mask.

James will be laid to rest in Resurrection Cemetery in Austintown.

Memorial contributions may be made in James’ memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care of Stewart-Kyle Funeral Home in Hubbard. Due to the current health situation, family and friends are invited to visit the funeral home’s website at www.stewart-kyle.com to share memories and condolences.

(special notice)

James V. Ditata 1930-2020

PARMA — James V. Ditata, 90, formerly of Austintown, passed away on Wednesday, Dec. 2, 2020, at Mount Alverna Village in Parma.

James was born Nov. 4, 1930, in Youngstown, a son of Roger and Julia Labate Ditata.

He was a 1948 graduate of East High School.

James was a truck driver for Giant Eagle, retiring in 1992 after 40 years of service.

He was a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in Austintown and enjoyed bowling, walking and woodworking.

He was a veteran of the Army, serving during the Korean War.

His wife, the former Dorothy Butala, whom he married on July 7, 1979, passed away March 11, 2019.

James will be forever missed and remembered by his family: his children, James R. (Sharon) Ditata of Parma, Kathleen Ditata-Pontius of Austintown, and Richard Richardson and John “Duffey” Richardson, both of Hubbard; grandchildren, Kevin (Jenna) Pontius II, Brett P. Pontius, Joshua J. (Erica) Pontius, Kathryn E. Pontius and Yarnell Allred; and great-grandchildren, Kayla, Brittany, Miciah, Sadie Grace and Maximus. He also leaves his sister, Lucy Glaser of Tice, Fla.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife; his sisters, Lena Ditata, Marie DeSalvo and Rose Como; and brothers, Patrick Ditata, Anthony J. Ditata and Dominic Ditata.

There will be a Mass of Christian burial, with the Rev. Kevin Peters officiating, at 10 a.m. Monday, Dec. 7, 2020, with calling hours prior to the Mass, from 9 to 10 a.m. at Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in Austintown. Due to COVID-19, safety precautions will be taken, the 6-foot rule will be honored and we kindly ask that all guests whose health allow please wear a mask.

James will be laid to rest in Resurrection Cemetery in Austintown.

Memorial contributions may be made in James’ memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care of Stewart-Kyle Funeral Home in Hubbard. Due to the current health situation, family and friends are invited to visit the funeral home’s website at www.stewart-kyle.com to share memories and condolences.

(special notice)