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Paul C. Ditta, 78, a resident of Arnold for 37 years, died of cardiac arrest Dec. 31.

Mr. Ditta was born Sept. 18, 1929 in Brooklyn, N.Y.

He worked at the David Taylor Naval Research and Development Center in Annapolis as a mechanical engineering technician.

Mr. Ditta served in the Army for two years.

He loved a challenge, whether at work or home. He enjoyed repairing things in his workshop, travel, golf, fishing, bowling, and playing cards.

Survivors include his wife of over 53 years, Marilyn Ditta; one son, Anthony Ditta of Stevensville; five daughters, Susan Sherman of Titusville, Fla., Marie Mueller of Severna Park, and Linda, Laura and Donna Ditta of Arnold; one sister, Yolanda Lamagese of Islip, N.Y.; six grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

Family and friends may visit from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. today at Barranco and Sons Severna Park Funeral Home, 495 Ritchie Highway.

A Mass of Christian burial will be offered at 1 p.m. tomorrow at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 689 Ritchie Highway in Severna Park.

Interment will be in the Maryland Veterans Cemetery in Crownsville.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the St. Jude's Children Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.