Page 3 - The Wayne Dispatch

DPW Assistant Director Ed Queen and the Department of Public Works congratulates Patty Ditmore on her 62 years of service to the City of Wayne.
“It was great” 62 year DPW employee retires

By Carolyn Marnon
Patty has left the building. After
62 years working for the City of
Wayne, Patty Ditmore has officially
retired. She was most recently the
administrative assistant for DPW
(Department of Public Works.)
When I interviewed Patty back in
2018, her plans were to keep work-
ing “as long as I have my health.”
When asked why she is retiring now,
she said “I am 82, and I just thought
it was time. I’m still in good health.
It’s time for someone else to take
over the helm.” Covid-19 did not
play a part in her decision.
“It’s bittersweet. It makes me sad
one way, but oh well.”
Patty started working for the City
as a switchboard operator for the Fi-
nance Department. She stayed with
the Finance Department for the next
nine years before she came to DPW.
With DPW, she spent 17 years at the
office on Myrtle, another 17 years in
the building next door to the current Patty Ditmore, her husband Ken, and their family show off the the Key to the City on “Patty Ditmore Day” on February 26,
building and has been in the present 2021.
office since 2003.
Having grown up in Norwayne closets.” She said she has two great- the next City Council meeting. Patty has spent the last six
and graduating from St. Mary’s in grandsons she’ll help with school- The most memorable moment of months training the new administra-
Wayne, Patty has been a lifelong work. the day was the DPW Vehicle Parade. tive assistant, Barb.
Wayne-o. The DPW staff sent her off with a Approximately 15 dumps, pick-ups, When asked if she had anything
Back in 2018, Patty said if she re- bang. There were decorations, good loaders and more drove by blowing to share about her lifetime working
tired, she couldn’t sit still. What food and people came by the DPW of- their horns. “It’s never been done for for the City, she struggled for some-
does she plan to do now that she is fices to wish her well. Wayne Mayor anyone at DPW before. Ed (Queen) thing profound to say. All she could
retired? “I don’t know. I will go to John Rhaesa presented her with a got it all together. Ed is a real good come up with was “It was great.”
the casino once in awhile with my key to the City, and she said there boss,” she praised. “I’m going to
husband. Work in the yard. Clean will be a presentation of some sort at miss those guys terrible.” See Resolution, page 15
The Wayne Dispatch · March 2021 · 3