David Allan Pethick

David Allan Pethick
October 27, 1944 - July 4, 2023
David Allan Pethick, 78, of Aiken, SC, died at home on July 4, 2023, surrounded by his loving family. Born in New Kensington, PA on October 27, 1944, David was the oldest child of Kenneth and Jean Pethick.
David received a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Purdue University in 1966 and his Juris Doctor degree from American University in Washington, DC in 1970.
During his 40 years of experience in a wide range of nuclear industry management assignments, his career encompassed positions as President & General Manager, URS - Global Management in Aiken; Senior VP, Business Development, Washington Group International, Inc. Aiken; Vice President Planning & Business Development, McDermott International, Inc., New Orleans; President & Co-owner of Kelly, Anderson, Pethick & Associates, Inc., Washington, DC; Division Vice President, Business Management & Development of General Dynamics, Electric Boat Division, Groton, CT; and Design Engineer/Senior Engineer, Electrical Systems Division at Westinghouse in Baltimore, MD where he originally started his career.
As coach of his children's basketball, baseball, and softball teams, he was ever present in his children's many activities. He enjoyed tennis and golf and became a "Master's Enthusiast" when he moved to Aiken, often sharing his love of the game with other family and friends in attendance. Yearly family reunions brought their large family together to relax from heavy workloads. David was a leader and servant by example as a deacon and elder in his church. Finally, he was a master at home renovation design, making his home more comfortable and enjoyable for the many guests they entertained.
In addition to his parents, proceeding him in death were his sister, Diane Armstrong of Toledo, OH, and his brother, Kenneth Pethick, of Erie, PA.
Survivors include Pamela Pethick, his wife of 55 years, and his children, Kevin (Carey) Pethick, Kristen Pethick, all of Aiken, SC; Katie (Brent) Morris, Fairfax, VA; and Jane Grange, Germantown, MD. David has 8 grandchildren, Caroline and Will Pethick, Aiken; Jack, Colin and Gavin Grange, Germantown, MD; and Penn, Baker and Ellie Morris of Fairfax, VA.
Laurie Brugger (Timothy) of Erie, PA is his surviving sister. He has a brother-in-law, Chuck Armstrong, Bonita Springs, FL and a sister-in-law, Patti Elmore, Heathville, VA, and nephews Craig Brugger and Robert Elmore, and nieces Alissa Brugger Norris, Kelly Armstrong and Kristie Badik.
David will be remembered for his unique ability to integrate engineering, legal and business ideas with focus, intensity and energy. He was a mentor by nature and loved to advance the careers of his management team by offering continual advancement and cross-training opportunities. Not only did David love to develop talent within the nuclear industry, but he also had a passion for educating and mentoring children. Upon retirement he became a mentor to many students within the Aiken County school system, helping children graduate high school and succeed in life.
A service was held July 8th at the South Aiken Presbyterian Church.
Memorials may be made to Hope on Horseback Therapeutic Riding Center, 10370 Barton Road, Waterford, PA 16441 or Julia Hospice & Palliative care, PO Box 353, McKean, PA 16426.
To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of David, please visit our Tree Store or plant a tree.