David L. Whitman

David Lee Whitman, age 77, of Rockland MA passed away unexpectedly while on vacation in New Hampshire on November 2, 2014. He was born in Lawrence MA, son of Grace (Pfeiffer) and Lester Whitman, and was raised in Hampton, NH. He was a member of Hampton High School graduating class of 1955. David worked at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard after graduating the Naval Apprentice Program. He relocated to Rockland MA in 1964 and continued his career at the General Dynamics Shipyard in Quincy. In 1981, David returned to government work as an employee of the US Naval Department. Upon retirement in 2004, David enjoyed spending time with his family. He was a quiet man, yet his uniquely quirky sense of humor was always evident. Dave's innate sense of curiosity about how things worked resulted in endless projects and repairs down at his cellar workbench. He cared deeply about learning and was enriched by reading any material that offered useful knowledge. Some of his interests included a lifelong love of cars and racing, photography, gardening, traveling; and assisting in fostering cats for a local shelter. Above all else, Grandpa David Whitman was a devoted family man. He is survived by his wife Sandra, and his two sisters Jean Whitman Mayotte and Leslie Whitman Spratt. He was predeceased by his brother Larry Whitman. His children, Mark Whitman and his wife Debbie, Kim Handy and her husband Bill, Dale Whitman, and Kelly Carrico and her husband Bruce also survive David. In addition, David has many beloved grandchildren and great grandchildren: Robert Whitman, Douglas Walo, Mark Matiyosus, Sarah Whitman, Allan Handy, Jaclyn Matiyosus, Tamara Williams, Ryan Handy, Chessie Gilbert, Allison Whitman, Caleb Walo, Elisabeth Gilbert, Samuel Walo, James Gilbert, Katherine Handy, Jacob Walo, and Emily Gilbert. David's great love for his family extended to his nieces and nephews and the many, many others who loved and called him "Grandpa Dave". Arrangements and services will be private. Donations in memory of David may be made to: Massasoit Community College Foundation – Engineering Program 900 Randolph Street Canton, MA 02021 or the Quincy Animal Shelter 56 Broad Street Quincy, MA 02169. The Magoun-Biggins Funeral Home 135 Union St. Rockland is honored to be assisting the family