SAMMY PHILIP DITTA
1934-2018
Sammy Philip Ditta, was born on September 4, 1934, in Beaumont, Texas, and passed away peacefully from this life on January 30, 2018, with his loving family by his side.
He was the son of Anthony Ferro and Josephine Rumore Ferro. His father Anthony passed away when Sammy was only 15 months old. Josephine later married Louis Ditta and they, together, were the parents he knew and loved.
Sammy spent his early years in Beaumont, Texas, and later moved to Houston, Texas. He attended Annunciation Catholic School, and Austin High School. His Father, Louis Ditta, sold produce from a horse and wagon and Sammy learned at a very early age the true art of sales. He worked side-by-side with his Dad learning business skills as a small child and young man. He shared so many wonderful stories over the years about the experiences of riding in that horse drawn wagon getting his business education from his Italian Immigrant Father. Sammy had a very unique gift for meeting and talking to people and that treasured skill carried with him throughout his entire life.
He was also very proud of his work association with the Houston Buffs, now known as the Houston Astros. He had the distinct honor of handling the scoreboard during the baseball games as a young teenager.
Sammy served in the Air National Guard followed by his service in The United States Army for 2 years, as a member of the “4th Armored Division, better known as “The Fighting 4th”, earning the rank of Staff Sergeant. He was so very proud of his service to his Country and delighted in telling stories of his travel to many countries while he served. After serving his country, he returned home to Houston, and married the love of his life, Helen Pauline Mocek. They were united on Valentines Day, February 14, 1960.
Sammy’s well-refined skills in sales as a young man lead him to become an entrepreneur and start his own business selling meat. He and Helen ran the business from home initially with just one truck, and later fulfilled his life long dream of opening Ditta Meat Company in 1962. Helen worked alongside him for over fifty years. Anyone who knew Sammy knew the company was his pride and joy, and most certainly the people there quickly became family to him. He had over 75 employees, and they worked in various roles in the Production, Administration, Warehouse, and Sales departments. He loved and served in his community in Pasadena many years. Ditta Meat Company was recognized and awarded Business of the Year in 1994, and Sammy remained very active in the community and generously donated to countless organizations and individuals over the years.
Sammy is preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Josephine Ditta, his brother Vincent Ditta, and his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Frank and Angelina Mocek.
He is survived by his beloved wife of over 57 years, Helen Pauline Mocek; daughter Cynthia Priebe and husband Karl, daughter Diane Thornton and husband John, son Louie Ditta and wife Renee, and daughter Debbie Lynn Ditta; grandchildren Melanie Thornton and husband Trevor, Angela Thornton, Charlotte Thornton, Austin Standley, Abbey Standley, Mackenzie Ditta, Madison Ditta and Macey Ditta. He is also survived by his sister Pauline Canalito, sister-in-law Glenda Ditta, brother-in laws Chris Mocek and wife Cecil, Leonard Mocek, sister-in-law Fran Pajak and husband Eddie, sister-in-law Caroline Mocek, many nieces, and nephews and his extended family at Ditta Meat Company.
On Friday, February 2, 2018, Visitation will begin at 4:00 p.m., followed by Celebration of Life Service at 5:00 p.m., at Sagemont Church, 11300 S. Sam Houston Pkwy E., Houston, Texas 77089. On Saturday, February 3, 2018, a Rosary will be held at 9:00 a.m., followed by a Catholic Mass at 10:00 a.m., at St. Mary Catholic Church, 1612 E. Walker St., League City, Texas 77573. A private family burial will be held.
Those honored to serve as Pallbearers are Austin Standley, Ken Phelps, Ray Woodburn, Trevor Mattson, Dwayne Mocek, Glen Mocek, Brandon Mocek and Nick Treadway. Honorary Pallbearers are Karl Priebe and John Thornton.