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FUNERAL HOME

Gendron Funeral & Cremation Services Inc. - Sarasota

135 N Lime Ave

Sarasota, Florida

David Whitman Obituary

Whitman, David
Jun. 13, 1943 - Jul. 27, 2015
David Whitman, 72, of Sarasota, FL, died on Jul. 27, 2015. Funeral arrangements by: Gendron Funeral & Cremation Services Inc.
He passed away unexpectedly. He was born in Albany, New York and grew up in Sarasota. Dave was a pilot with Eastern Airlines from 1966-1991; a local designated Pilot Examiner from 1985-2014; recently he was a Flight Instructor for Cirrus Aviation and Universal Flight Training Center, Sarasota. He received the Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award in April 2014. Dave was survived by his devoted family; wife of nearly 50 years, Cherry Whitman, son David Whitman Jr., daughter-in-law Tiziana Ventimiglia, daughter Wendy Martucci and three grandchildren: Giulietta 'Piano' Whitman, Daniel Martucci, and Veronica Martucci. Funeral Services will be held at St. Margaret of Scotland Episcopal Church, 8700 State Road 72, Sarasota, FL, 34241, on Friday, July 31st, 2015 at 6:30 pm.

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Published by Herald Tribune from Jul. 30 to Jul. 31, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for David Whitman

26 Entries

Jay A Bullington

July 24, 2021

I remember David well - not mentioned earlier, a great CAP cadet, where he exhibited his love to fly. He was a great man - and though I had not seen him in years, he is still missed. My continued condolences to Cherry and his extended family.

Ottaviano James

January 29, 2021

May you forever have calm winds under your wings my old friend and teacher

Jay Bullington

August 5, 2015

I am so sorry to hear about David ... Rest in peace, my friend, and fly high!

Colin Boyle

August 2, 2015

Sincerest condolences to all of the Whitmans and Lewises

James Powell

August 1, 2015

We were stunned and so sorry to hear about Dave's passing. He was such a warm hearted and wonderful individual and an inspiration to all of us who fly. Our deepest sympathies. Maureen, Morgan and Buddy

David Mahoney

August 1, 2015

Cherry, Wendy and Davie
Dave was a great man, a great cousin, and a great friend. I will cherish the memories of my first flight with Dave ( I think I was 12 ), my first ride in a Morris, and the times floating around on the raft he had build while on Lockwood Ridge. He showed me how to catch and alligator with a fishing pole and the Alligater would come to shore and spit out the hook over and over again. I will miss him.
Prayers to you and your family. Rest in peace cousin David

Barbara and Steve Salem

July 31, 2015

I don't think I or anyone has or will meet or know a more kind hearted easy going, strong willed, intelligent , honest Man!.
He will be missed by all that knew him!. The heaven's have another Angel. Fly, Fly away into God's open arms!!

Kerry and Greg Baker

July 31, 2015

Cherry,Wendy and family, we are so sorry to hear about Dave. It's a tremendous loss to your family, Hidden River family and entire aviation community. If we ever see someone with a pipe we think of Dave!!

Maura Verdini

July 31, 2015

Non ho avuto il piacere di conoscerlo ma dai racconti di chi lo ama e dall'amore che hai negli occhi quando ne parli so che è stata una grandissima persona. Un forte abbraccio. Ti voglio bene.

July 31, 2015

The Class of 1962 Hiverview High send their Deepest Sympathy to David Whitman's Family. All his friends will never forget him, he was a great friend to many of us. God Bless and know we will meet again.

Roy Horne

July 31, 2015

I have always looked forward to talking with Dave and have always learned so much. I will miss those talks. My deepest condolences to his family.

Jane Rhodus

July 31, 2015

To my friend and mentor, greatest of pilots, best of flight instructors, and teller of stories unmatched... I will always miss you and never forget all the 135 rides, the debating (interpretation!) of regs, the joy of putting all those students through, and who could forget the inverted pass down 9R at MIA in a 727? As your Mom 'always said' "Fly low and slow and make all flat turns!"

Donna Bennett

July 31, 2015

Cherry and family, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I know Dave was the love of your life from all the wonderful stories you told me. From the day I met him I knew he was a sweet and gentle soul and saw that special love you shared. Every time he called you at work
you never said goodbye without telling each other " I love you...be careful".
I pray that God gives you the strength to get through this very sad time and hope that all of your wonderful memories will help to lighten and heal your broken heart.

Dave will always be with you , watching over you and all of his loving family.
My love and Peace to all of you,
Donna

Mike Campbell

July 30, 2015

God bless an amazing aviator and peace to Cherry and all Dave's family.

July 30, 2015

Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.

Ann D'Souza

July 30, 2015

David I will never forget the spare ribs you made for us. Since then I have been trying to get woodchips to do the same. You will be missed, believe me.

Richard Blower

July 30, 2015

So sorry we lost Dave.

Royx Juckette

July 30, 2015

I am so sorry for your loss . Many prayers for you . Love Royx

July 30, 2015

For a second you were flying
Like you always wanted to
Now you'll fly forever
In skies of azure blue
We'll see your smile in every ray
Of sunshine after rain
And hear the echo of your laughter
Over all the pain
The world's a little quieter now
The colours have lost their hue
The birds are singing softly
And our hearts are missing you
Each time we see a little cloud
Or a rainbow soaring high
We'll think of you and gently
Wipe a tear from our eye

Katty, Rene & Skyy

July 30, 2015

So sorry for your loss. Love, hugs and prayers.
an old neighbor, Cindy Jackson

Tiziana Ventimiglia

July 30, 2015

Thank you dad for welcoming me with open arms when I married Davy. I will always cherish the memories I have of you. Now you will have to teach them all up there how to cook ribs the right way. 'till we meet again, love you. Tizy.

July 30, 2015

The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires. To a man who inspired me in so many ways, an amazing husband, father, grand father and friend. Always there for everyone without question. The man who helped me accomplish my hopes and dreams in aviation. Saddened by your departure, you will always be there in heart, soul and mind, will always hear your voice when I fly. Thank you Dave Whitman for being part of my life. May you rest in peace my dear friend! Until we meet again...

July 30, 2015

Cherry, David and Wendy, I want to express my heartfelt sympathy for your loss. I know David was a wonderful husband, father, son and grandfather. We haven't seen you in a lot of years, but I thought of you guys often. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Nancy and Joe Fahd

Roz Eiler

July 30, 2015

It was a interesting "flight." Peace to your family.

Karen Teel

July 30, 2015

David was a loved husband, father, grandfather and friend to so many people. There are a lot of sad people today, but we must remember that he was called home for a reason and we will all be called home some day and all be back together some day. He impacted a lot of lives here on earth and now it's time to rest and be back with those family and friends who pre-deceased him. Until we meet again, RIP David. Thoughts and prayers to Cherry and all the family.

July 30, 2015

I will never forget the day I saw you push the Champ out of the hangar and cross the field onto the runway to take off into a strong and steady wind. At altitude you flew into the heavy wind and floated in one just small piece of sky just South of the place where I stood upon the ground. How I loved to watch you fly. Thank you for showing me those pieces of sky and all that an airplane the color of sunshine could do. Blue Skies my friend.

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