William A. "Bill" Ditkowsky M.D.

Bill was born in Chicago, Illinois in 1948, the son of Dr. Samuel and Lillian Ditkowsky. His only sibling Ken, was not only a big brother, but often filled the role of second father, advisor, and master baseball coach. Bill attended North Shore Country Day School for his high school freshman-junior years until the family moved to Miami in 1965 where he attended Ransom Everglades Senior class, graduating in 1966.

Bill attended undergraduate and graduate school at the University of Miami earning his medical degree in 1970. His post graduate internship and residency was also at the University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Hospital. In 1979 he entered the practice of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery in Miami, and served the community as a beloved and well respected physician for over 36 years.

It was during Dr. Ditkowsky’s internship that he met the love of his life, Joanie Ziegler. In point of fact, the couple always felt that their meeting was blessed by God, for they met at Temple Beth Am during the Yom Kippur services of 1974. Fireworks truly lit the skies with their first date, for they were engaged six weeks later, married three months following, and just celebrated their 40th anniversary. When their Rabbi united their souls as one, the couple truly took the pledge to heart, for they rarely left each others’ side.

Joanie helped Bill open his medical practice running the day-to-day business details, allowing Bill to be the “old-time” physician he always yearned to be, emulating his father. His patients truly loved him, for they knew that the feeling was mutual. He spent time with each person as if they were the only patient of the day, giving them his undivided attention and concern. His greatest reward and fulfilment came when treating a patient, then in the years to follow their children and grandchildren. He was the recipient of many honors and awards and served as president, vice-president, and secretary/treasurer of Deering (Jackson South) medical staff from 1990-1994, and was voted “Most Compassionate Doctor” by his patients.

Bill was a strong supporter of the Jewish community, a life-long member of Temple Beth Am and founder of Dave and Mary Alper JCC. Dr. Ditkowsky was an original member of South Florida Ear, Nose, and Throat Associates (SFENTA), founded in 2002. In 2013, Dr. Alan Chu, joined his private practice and the business and friendship flourished.

Bill was particularly joyed by the fact that his eldest daughter, Rosie Ditkowsky Simon, became a Doctor of Audiology and worked tirelessly in his office by his side. He also had a big influence on his youngest daughter, Ellie Ditkowsky Freedman, and was thrilled when she became a speech pathologist. He is forever grateful to his office administrator, Enedia Mascetti, for over two decades of her devotion, along with that of other co-workers.

Although Bill often worked hard and long hours, his family always came first. His wonderful, loving, and devoted partner, Joanie, was his soul mate, and together they provided their children with an environment of discipline, wise guidance and endless love. His kindness and wisdom extended well beyond his immediate family, enriching the lives of all who knew him.

Bill was blessed with a spirit of optimism unlike any other. His illness extended 18 years, yet few people ever knew, for he always had a smile on his face throughout his ordeal. He always took the time to listen to the problems of others, while overlooking any internal pain he experienced. For Bill, the “glass was always half full.” Bill had an indelible impact on the lives of so many people. He will be fondly remembered and dearly missed by all.

Over the years, Bill was fortunate to have made many wonderful friends, including best friends John (Nancy-Lee) Thompson, and Mark (Eve) Kimmel who shared his passion for golf. Bill is survived by his wife Joanie, Rosie (Ben) Simon, Ellie (Andrew) Freedman, brother-in-laws who were truly brothers Jan (Laura) Ziegler and Gary (Bonnie) Ziegler, grandchildren Sam, Annie, Henry, his namesake Will and twin Jack, brother Ken (Judy) Ditkowsky and many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews and cousins.

In lieu of flowers, Dr. Ditkowsky’s wishes were that all donations be made to: Temple Beth Am Day School.