David A. Whitaker

David Allen Whitaker, age 82, passed away October 13, 2024. Dave was born September 12,1942 in Philadelphia, PA. He was the son of Lewis and Eleanor (McCallicher) Whitaker.
Dave grew up in Martindale, Pennsylvania, where he attended a one room schoolhouse. Some of his most memorable times growing up in a small community included gatherings with his neighborhood friends that would often play baseball, croquet, sledding, and ice skating. As a young teen, Dave worked for many of his neighbors doing various jobs. By the age of 17, he was driving semi with John Ewell Trucking Company.
Dave served honorably in the US Army with assignments at Fort Gordon Georgia, Fort Hood Texas, and in Korea.
Following his military service, he returned to his trucking job in Pennsylvania and was delivering strawberries to Michigan. It was during this time that he met the love of his life, Mary Jo Dewey. They married on January 17, 1970 and enjoyed 54 wonderful years together.
Dave dedicated 51 years of his life to Sherriff-Goslin Roofing & Siding Company, where his passion for his work and the relationships he built were evident. Dave cherished the friendships he developed not only with his coworkers but also with those he worked with outside of the company.
An avid car enthusiast, Dave's love for restoring and collecting cars began at a young age, inspired by his grandfather. He was known for his deep understanding and skill in engine mechanics. Dave relished the challenges of each project, with a particular fondness for the Corvette. He owned many makes and models over the years. His love for speed and the thrill of a revving engine were well-known to those around him.
Above all, Dave was a family man, devoted to his wife and family, always ready to lend a hand to his kids and grandchildren.
Dave is survived by his wife, Mary Jo; daughters Debbie (Jack) Skelly, Sherry, Vicki, Kim (Troy) Johnson; brother James (Brenda) Whitaker; and grandchildren John, Lisa (Mike) Pirowski, Chelsey, Brittany, Tim, Ben, Craig, Justin, Kayla, Dakota, Blake, and Savannah; great grandchildren Annabelle, Sienna, Liam, Lorenzo, and Oakley. He was preceded in death by his grandparents Ralph and Helen McCallicher; parents, Lewis and Eleanor Whitaker, and grandchild Dale.
Dave will be remembered for his giving spirit and loving heart. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.
A funeral service to celebrate Dave's life will take place on Saturday, October 19, 2024 11:00 AM at the Williams-Gores Funeral Home, Delton. Private burial will take place at East Hickory Corners Cemetery. Please visit www.williamsgoresfuneral.com to share a memory or leave a condolence message for Dave's family.