Photo courtesy of James A. McAlister Funerals & Cremation
Charleston, South Carolina
Feb 18, 1950 – Feb 8, 2025
David Condon Runey of Charleston, SC, husband of Desiree Hall Runey for 46 years and the father of three loving children, passed away peacefully on February 8, 2025, after a long illness.
His Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 AM, Friday, February 14, 2025, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, 1695 Raoul Wallenberg Boulevard. The Rite of Committal will follow at St. Joseph's Columbarium. The family will receive friends between 5:00 and 7:00 PM on Thursday evening at the James A. McAlister Funeral Home, 1620 Savannah Highway.
David was born February 18, 1950, in Charleston, SC, a son of the late Colonel Michael Lawrence Runey, Jr. and Elsie Condon Runey, both of Charleston. He graduated from Bishop England High School in 1968 and the College of Charleston Class of '72. While attending C of C, he was a member of the golf, basketball and tennis teams as well as president of Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity.
David owned the local diner, Kitty's Fine Foods, for over twenty years where he enjoyed his family and friends each day. He was a past Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus, an honorary life member of the Hibernian Society of Charleston, a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians and a life member of the College of Charleston Alumni Association. He coached at St. Joseph's Catholic Church and was proud to be on the "chain gang" at Bishop England High School while his son David was in school.
He was an avid lover of the outdoors and spent much of his time in his backyard, watching sports, fishing, or playing golf. David's love for the outdoors brought out the happy, free spirit that defined him. He also had a love of music which he expressed by shagging to many songs. Most importantly, he was always available to show his grandchildren how to enjoy the outdoors, to whom he was PaPa.
David loved people. He was funny and could make you laugh until you cried. He enjoyed all things Irish and was able to fulfill a lifelong dream of playing golf in Ireland.
David is survived by his wife, Desiree Hall Runey, his three children, Desiree Runey Clement (Jeremy), David Condon Runey, Jr. and Leslie Runey Schwade (Steve). The real joy of his life were his grandchildren, Zoey Clement, Josephine Clement, Parker Schwade and Bennet Schwade, who are going to miss their PaPa. He is also survived by siblings Joseph Runey (Aubyn), Alma Runey, Leon Runey (Renee), Pat Runey (Donna) and Paul Runey; his sisters in law, Audrey Runey and Audrey Chubb as well as many very special cousins, all of Charleston. He was predeceased by his brother Dr. Michael Runey.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Mr. and Mrs. Michael L. Runey, Jr. Scholarship Trust at Bishop England High School or Saint Joseph Catholic Church Building Fund. Arrangements by JAMES A. MCALISTER FUNERALS & CREMATION (843) 766-1365.
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Desiree
May God send you and your family his Comfort, Peace and Love during this loss...It's so tough to lose a Parent and for your kids a Grandparent..His legacy will continue on through all of you!! Love Love ❤
Sharon Miller
February 14, 2025 | Charleston, SC
Desi, My heart breaks for you and your family. I don’t ever think I saw David without a smile on his face. Over the years whenever I went to lunch at Kitties, he would always share news of you and your family. He was so proud of you all. I am so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my prayers.
Kathy Crawford
February 13, 2025 | Charleston, SC | Friend
David always had a twinkle in his eyes and a big grin on his face. A life well lived.
Mike Mooneyham
February 12, 2025 | Charleston, SC | Friend
David was a friend to all. His characteristic smile welcomed everyone. He served his family and his community -- literally and figuratively as a restauranteur, a provider, a Grand Knight and even as the chairman of the annual Turkey Day Run. There, he served carb-loading meals to the runners the night before each event. He was a fine athlete in high school and college -- and later a talented softball pitcher. When it was time to volunteer to assist charities and church-related events,...
Tommy McQueeney
February 12, 2025 | Mount Pleasant, SC | Friend
My thoughts and prayers are with the family. Recently, I had not seen David much, but we always greeted each other as in wonderful days of Kitty’s.
Blessings,
Rev. Rob Dewey (Police Chaplain)
Rev. Rob Dewey
February 12, 2025 | Mt P, SC | Friend
David was a great person who always had a smile on his face!! Our thoughts and prayers are with his entire family!!
Roy/Donna Heissenbuttle
February 11, 2025 | Hanahan, SC | Friend
There are so many things I could share, I worked for David many years. He was always pleasant to work for. Watched his children grow up get married. It was always about friends and family. He had many customer's that he grew up with always cutting fool loved a good joke. There are so many memories from Kitty's. All of them good. David you will be missed by a great many people. We had alòt of fun most of the time. Love goes to the family I'm so sorry for your loss.
Susan Hunley
February 11, 2025 | Bonneau, SC | Coworker
In French class we called him DA-VIDE.
A wonderful man always happy and always greeting you with a smile.Made the best breakfast and hot coffee.
Rest in Peace
James Owens
February 11, 2025 | Isle Of Palms, SC
Desi, I'm so sorry to hear about David's passing. Whenever I saw him, he was always laughing. I know your family and friends will really miss him. Take care.
JoAnne Forsberg Sisnroy
February 11, 2025 | Charleston, SC | Acquaintance