David Sherman Tittle, DDS
Sept. 3, 1927 - July 9, 2018
Walnut Creek
David S Tittle was born in Oak Park, IL to Felix S Tittle, DDS and Thelma H Newtson. During childhood David acquired his love of the outdoors at summer camp swimming, canoeing, and fishing in northern Minnesota. He attended Oak Park-River Forest Township High School and began college at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI in the fall of 1945. After completing his freshman year at UM he entered the Army post-war draft and was sent to Washington DC. He was placed on the Army swim team and competed at meets in Texas and Bermuda. After serving for 1 1/2 years, he returned to UM to complete his education and to continue swimming at the collegiate level. He was part of the University of Michigan 1948 NCAA championship team and continues to hold a UM school record in the 300 yard relay. The camaraderie of that team forged many life-long friendships that were a lynchpin of his life for 70 years.
During his junior year he met a fellow UM Wolverine and the love of his life, Elizabeth Joan Faulk, aka Betty Jo. They graduated in 1950, and David began dental school at Northwestern University in Chicago, IL, while Betty Jo taught high school in Indiana. David and Betty Jo were married on September 6, 1952 in Park Ridge, IL. Once David earned his dental degree in 1954, the inseparable duo loaded their belongings in a u-haul trailer and drove west to California.
Together David and Betty Jo started his dental practice in Pleasant Hill, CA where he practiced with dedication and innovation for 41 years. As loving and engaged parents, they raised three sons in a home they built in rural Alhambra Valley. Although his family was most important to him, David was a tireless "mover and shaker" professionally, socially, and recreationally. He was a self-taught lover of the outdoors including fishing, camping, boating, skiing, ocean activities, and tennis. He passed these to his sons as well as his swimming athleticism, inspiring all his sons and grandson to compete on a national level in the NCAAs. He was an inspirational leader professionally being involved in the Contra Costa Dental Society as president, countless committees for the California Dental Association, the American College of Dentists, UCSF Prosthodontics Study Club and the Pleasant Hill Rotary Club as president. Dave "Doc" loved entertaining, giving jitterbug lessons, "friendly competitions" and a cocktail on a warm summer evening. He was an immense presence.
David is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 65 years, Betty Jo Tittle, who passed away earlier this year on March 7, 2018. He is survived by his three sons David G (Gretchen) of Chandler, AZ, Jeffrey N (Karen) of Peoria, AZ, and Dr. Kenneth W (Konni) of Walnut Creek, CA; eight grandchildren Christina (Tim) Guinn, Cori (Brian) Bartolero, David J, Conner, Carly, Mia, Lani and Mason Tittle; three great-grandchildren Rylee and Danny Guinn and Deano Bartolero; and brother Donald (Gail) Tittle of Scottsdale, AZ.
David will be remembered by all that knew him for his incredible sense of humor and as being the ultimate host for the many gatherings he held for family and friends at his home in Alhambra Valley. He will also be remembered by his three boys for being one half of the team that provided the perfect nurturing environment, and by his grandchildren for being a loving, compassionate and involved grandpa.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 4th at 12:00 noon with lunch reception to follow at the Lafayette Orinda Presbyterian Church. Burial service will be private.

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Published by East Bay Times on Jul. 15, 2018.