David Grady Whitten
October 17, 1947 – June 6, 2020
David Grady Whitten, who was born October 17, 1947, in Erie, PA, made the transition on Saturday, June 6, 2020, at the University of MD hospital in Baltimore. He suffered complications following surgery. Dave was preceded in death by his parents, J. Grady & Freda E. Whitten, and his mother-in-law, Doris Zanelotti. Dave lived in North Beach with the love of his life, Teresa A. Zanelotti-Whitten, and his German Shepherd, Woozy the 5th (…long story). He has left behind many friends and relatives, specifically his only sibling, little sister Beth Swoap and her husband John, his children of whom he was so proud: Tonya Boileau and spouse Randy, Mike Whitten and spouse Amy Shackelford, the lovely and talented Megan Whitten, his artist, and Denise Wayson. Dave also had 8 grandchildren whom he adored and to whom he was Pop-Pop. Jessica & Jared Boileau, Emza & Brynnah Shackelford-Whitten, Devon, Caroline, Garrett & Preston Wayson. Dave is also survived by his extended family, Joe Zanelotti, his buddy and father-in-law, Joe Zanelotti, Jr & spouse Sandy, Joyce Hartman, Jimmy Zanelotti and spouse Mary, Joanie Zanelotti-Cook and spouse Buddy Cook. There are also many nieces, nephews and great nieces and great nephews left to miss Uncle Dave.
Dave went to school and graduated in 1965 from Harbor Creek High School in Harbor Creek, PA. He then went to Indiana State College(later Indiana University of PA), where he was a member of Kappa Delta Rho fraternity, where he made some of his longest and most dear friendships. He graduated with a degree in Land Planning. He went to American University for his graduate work. In 1971 he moved to Maryland, where he began his career as a planner at Tri-County Council, and then moved into the real estate industry. He spent his career working in various facets of real estate as a developer, builder and certified appraiser.
Dave played multiple sports while in school, loved football, fishing, boating, diving and his most recent passion was camping. He always enjoyed music, reading, loved a good meal, especially Teresa’s many pasta dishes. He loved to travel. Dave was always a good and generous friend, sometimes generous to a fault.
After marrying Teresa, Dave found a strong faith and was a member of St Anthony’s Catholic Church in North Beach.
We will all miss you terribly. So Dave, who am I going to aggravate, now?
Please be aware that attendees at David’s visitation and Memorial Mass at St. Anthony’s Church are required to wear a mask, and appropriate physical distancing reqirements must be adhered to.
Visitation
Services
- Memorial Mass
Thursday, June 11, 2020
12:00 Noon
Interment
- Private
Contributions
Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation
2361 Hylan Boulevard
Staten Island, NY 10306
Condolences
Sort Comments
I’m utterly heartbroken for you. We met y’all Camping. You were backing the truck in like a pro. Little did we know, you were newbies. And little Miss Woozy was a baby. You were the nicest people. And we found out we knew some of the same people though we lived a bit away from each other. I pray that you find peace. Sending you prayers 🙏🏻 🕊🙏🏻 Sincerely Michele & Bob Tuttle.
Dear Theresa, I am so heartbroken to hear this sad news. I keep you right here in my heart and, I pray for strength and courage. You and David were so blessed to have this lasting love. Such a gift! Thinking of you , Love Donna Windsor.
Teresa,
I am so sorry for your loss of Dave. I didn’t know him well but I know that he was a good and kind person. Remember to take care of yourself throughout your grieving process. My heart goes out to you and your family.
Cindy
Teresa, I am so sorry for your loss. May God’s angels surround you with peace and may you feel the love of Christ in a greater way during this time. He loves you and your family so much. May your sweet husband be in the presence of the Lord and full of joy. I am praying for you and your family. Know that your LaReine sisters are praying for you and sending love to you.
May the gates of Heaven welcome you Dave to your restful home. You will have no pain, no worries, no stress, and no regrets. Our Lord and Father will take good care of you and those you left behind.
May his mighty hands tightly hold your loved ones who grieve over you. May His light shine upon them and continue to shine during this difficult time and in their future. They may not understand it now, but the memories of you and the joy you brought, and the love you gave, will carry them through and never be forgotten. In God’s name, Amen
Teresa I am truly sorry for your loss. I have always valued Dave’s friendship and really respected this talents. We spent many summer days together on the football field and in classes. From junior varsity to varsity we lettered in football together and spent hours and hours together. He was a very good football player and teammate. Peace be with you.
I met you when you all moved to the Willows. Linda (my dearly departed twin) was very close as a teen to your family. Going on vacations and hanging out at your home… Babysitting Mikey and Megan. You were always kind, warm and cheerful. You will be greeted warmly in the heavenlies even as those left on earth yearn to be with you. We have that blessed assurance of a great reunion. I pray that your loved ones all grieve with the hope that cannot shaken. Much love to all that are mourning.
Teresa (a.k.a Terry ) you and Dave had a one of a kind relationship. He adored you and cherished you like no one else. He was a kind and generous person with a big smile. I will miss talking politics with him and hearing him cheer the Steelers on. I wish you strength and peace during this hard time. You are the strongest person I know and you will be ok. I love you.
I am shocked to hear this. I met Dave and Theresa and Freda years ago and was very fond of the family. Sad to hearTheresa. You are lucky to be surrounded by so many family members and friends. This will be quite a comfort at this time. You and Dave are in my thoughts and prayers.
Teresa,
You and Dave’s family have my deepest sympathy. It was obvious from all the Facebook pictures of you and Dave that you loved each other and cared about family. It was good to see you two at our reunion in 2015. Be well, be strong Teresa. God bless you.
Sincerely,
Beverly Oliver, La Reine High School Class of 1975
Teresa I was shocked to hear of Dave’s passing. I am so very sorry. I know your heart is broken. He was a great man…always smiling. You were blessed to have such a beautiful love. I am so sorry! My thoughts & prayers are with you xo ((HUGS))
Dearest Teresa and family,
I have no words to describe my hurtful heart. You and Dave have always been a couple to Love and admire. What I remember most was Dave’s big smiling face when you and he were together. He never stopped grinning because you were his shining light. He was a man with a generous heart and he was a darn good Appraisor which is how we met. When my Chris passed Terri, I will never forget your kind words. I love you and I’m sending prayers for a peaceful heart. Linda Beam
We are so very sorry, Teresa. I can’t imagine what you and the rest of the family are going through right now. Our deepest condolences and love to you and everyone that is dealing with this huge loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May he rest in peace.
Sort Comments
I’m utterly heartbroken for you. We met y’all Camping. You were backing the truck in like a pro. Little did we know, you were newbies. And little Miss Woozy was a baby. You were the nicest people. And we found out we knew some of the same people though we lived a bit away from each other. I pray that you find peace. Sending you prayers 🙏🏻 🕊🙏🏻 Sincerely Michele & Bob Tuttle.
So sorry to hear Teresa. Mike Tuttle introduced us back in the 1970’s and we have been friends every since. May Dave rest in Peace.
Teresa. I am so very sorry to hear about Dave’s passing. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.
I am so sorry to hear of Dave’s passing. So many wonderful years and memories, and yet so little time we actually have on this earth with people we love and cherish most. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Always will miss you brother. You have some loved ones waiting to assist your transition. Harry.
My heartfelt condolences to you and family .. sending many thoughts and prayers.. God bless you all ..
Teresa I am so sorry for your loss. Praying for you and your family. May God Bless you all.
Teresa and family I’m so very sorry for your loss. Dave was a great guy and loved by many. I know he will be missed.
Tina 💔
I am so sorry for your loss Teresa, I know Dave is the love of your life. Stay strong in your faith. Rely on family and friends and you will get through this. You are in my prayers, love you.
Caroline Freeland
Dear Theresa, I am so heartbroken to hear this sad news. I keep you right here in my heart and, I pray for strength and courage. You and David were so blessed to have this lasting love. Such a gift! Thinking of you , Love Donna Windsor.
Broke my heart hearing this. Touched my heart reading about this wonderful man’s life. Such an awesome man and friend. Sending prayers for you my friend Luv ya
Whit It will not be the same without you. We played many games together. We will never forget you. Rock.
Teresa,
I am so sorry for your loss of Dave. I didn’t know him well but I know that he was a good and kind person. Remember to take care of yourself throughout your grieving process. My heart goes out to you and your family.
Cindy
Dear Teresa, So very sorry for your loss; thinking of and praying for you. Sincerely, Heidi
Teresa, my heartfelt condolences to you and to you and Dave’s entire family. My thoughts and Prayers are with you all.
Teresa, I am so sorry for your loss. May God’s angels surround you with peace and may you feel the love of Christ in a greater way during this time. He loves you and your family so much. May your sweet husband be in the presence of the Lord and full of joy. I am praying for you and your family. Know that your LaReine sisters are praying for you and sending love to you.
So very sorry to hear this. I’m not sure you will remember me, but I knew Dave and met you but once when you visited Erie. My thoughts, prayers, and heart goes out to you and your family.
May the gates of Heaven welcome you Dave to your restful home. You will have no pain, no worries, no stress, and no regrets. Our Lord and Father will take good care of you and those you left behind.
May his mighty hands tightly hold your loved ones who grieve over you. May His light shine upon them and continue to shine during this difficult time and in their future. They may not understand it now, but the memories of you and the joy you brought, and the love you gave, will carry them through and never be forgotten. In God’s name, Amen
My heartfelt condolences and many prayers for you and the family. Such a heartbreaking loss! It is thanks to Dave that my family and I settled in Calvert County, which has shaped all our lives. May God be with you.
Teresa & family
I was shocked to hear of Dave’s passing. He was a strong, happy and generous man. We will all miss him
You are in our prayers
Kim & Donna Muller
Teresa I am truly sorry for your loss. I have always valued Dave’s friendship and really respected this talents. We spent many summer days together on the football field and in classes. From junior varsity to varsity we lettered in football together and spent hours and hours together. He was a very good football player and teammate. Peace be with you.
RIP my friend/classmate – condolences and prayers to your family
Teresa, I was very saddened to hear of David’s passing. My heart and my prayers go out to you and your family. May fond memories, friends, family and God’s healing hand help you during this difficult time. Dawn
Teresa,
So sorry to hear of Dave’s passing. Prayers for you and the entire family. May God bless you.
I met you when you all moved to the Willows. Linda (my dearly departed twin) was very close as a teen to your family. Going on vacations and hanging out at your home… Babysitting Mikey and Megan. You were always kind, warm and cheerful. You will be greeted warmly in the heavenlies even as those left on earth yearn to be with you. We have that blessed assurance of a great reunion. I pray that your loved ones all grieve with the hope that cannot shaken. Much love to all that are mourning.
Teresa (a.k.a Terry ) you and Dave had a one of a kind relationship. He adored you and cherished you like no one else. He was a kind and generous person with a big smile. I will miss talking politics with him and hearing him cheer the Steelers on. I wish you strength and peace during this hard time. You are the strongest person I know and you will be ok. I love you.
Whit got a lot of us to a KDR rush party in our freshman year. From the fraternity years through the Eddie Cribbs Reunion years we made friends forever.
You are sorely missed, big guy.
I am shocked to hear this. I met Dave and Theresa and Freda years ago and was very fond of the family. Sad to hearTheresa. You are lucky to be surrounded by so many family members and friends. This will be quite a comfort at this time. You and Dave are in my thoughts and prayers.
Teresa,
You and Dave’s family have my deepest sympathy. It was obvious from all the Facebook pictures of you and Dave that you loved each other and cared about family. It was good to see you two at our reunion in 2015. Be well, be strong Teresa. God bless you.
Sincerely,
Beverly Oliver, La Reine High School Class of 1975
Terri my heart breaks for you. Praying for Gods comfort and peace for you and your family . Love you girl.❤️🙏
Teresa,
Mike and I were so sorry to hear about Dave’s passing. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Please let us know if there’s anything else we can do to support you.
Love and prayers,
Ginger and Mike
Teresa, I’m so sad to hear of Dave’s passing and heartbroken for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this sad time. May his memory be eternal. God bless you.
Teresa I was shocked to hear of Dave’s passing. I am so very sorry. I know your heart is broken. He was a great man…always smiling. You were blessed to have such a beautiful love. I am so sorry! My thoughts & prayers are with you xo ((HUGS))
Dearest Teresa and family,
I have no words to describe my hurtful heart. You and Dave have always been a couple to Love and admire. What I remember most was Dave’s big smiling face when you and he were together. He never stopped grinning because you were his shining light. He was a man with a generous heart and he was a darn good Appraisor which is how we met. When my Chris passed Terri, I will never forget your kind words. I love you and I’m sending prayers for a peaceful heart. Linda Beam
We are so very sorry, Teresa. I can’t imagine what you and the rest of the family are going through right now. Our deepest condolences and love to you and everyone that is dealing with this huge loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May he rest in peace.
James A. McAnulty, Harborcreek High School, Class of 1965
Dave we will miss you. Go and help our lord prepare a place for the rest of us. May God bless and comfort your family.