David G. Monette

David G. Monette
Suffolk - David Goodrich Monette, formerly of Suffolk, Virginia, passed away on January 11, 2012, in Richmond, Virginia.
Mr. Monette was born in Boston, Massassachutts on January 26, 1937. He was predeceased by his parents, Valmore Harrison Monette and Jane Goodrich Alexander, and his brother, Richard Wayne Monette. He is survived by his wife, Georgellen Harrell Monette; his daughter, Noelle Chapman Monette; his son, Colin Thomas Monette and wife, Jennie Powell Monette; and his two grandchildren, Harrison Thomas Monette and Tyler Royall Monette. He is also survived by his brother, Alan Valmore Monette and wife, Margaret Elizabeth Monette; his sister, Ann Winston Monette and husband, Donald A. Haight; and his sister, Marcy Gale Monette; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
David was graduated from Smithfield High School in 1955. He joined the United States Marine Corp where he served until 1958, and remained in the reserves until 1961. In 1960, he received an Associate's Degree from Virginia Commonwealth University.
In 1939, his father founded V. H. Monette and Company, a brokerage company representing manufacturers to the military resale system. David joined the company in 1960 and served as sales manager for their European division which directed marketing for that group. In 1963, he returned to the headquarters for the corporation in Smithfield, Virginia as Vice President of Sales and Marketing representing 20 consumer product manufacturers to the military resale system. Following the death of his father in 1974, Mr. Monette assumed the responsibility of the company as President. At that time, the company represented over 30 manufacturers to the military's commisaries and exchanges around the world.
In 1986, he and his brother, Alan, merged their company with Overseas Service Corporation of West Palm Beach, Florida, and they served as consultants for the next five years. After a brief retirement, David served as a Consultant and Director of Sales for Pre-Mix Industries, a Quikrete Company, for their retail and construction divisions until he "finally" retired in 2000.
Mr. Monette served as Chairman of the Board for Nansemond-Suffolk Academy, as a Trustee at Hampden-Sydney College and was active with many other civic, church, and non-profit organizations throughout his life.
A graveside funeral service will be conducted on Monday, January 16, at 11 a.m. at Historic St. Luke's Cemetery, 14477 Benns Church Blvd, Smithfield, VA 23430 by The Rev. Ben R. Duffey and The Rev. Gary J. M. Barker, Jr. The family will receive friends and family on Sunday, January 15, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at R. W. Baker & Company Funeral Home and Crematory, 509 W. Washington Street, Suffolk, VA 23434.
In 1986, Mr. Monette's passion for the arts inspired him to establish an Art Show and Sale at Nansemond-Suffolk Academy. In its 26th year, this endeavor continues to enrich the arts in the community. An art scholarship is currently being established in his name at the Academy. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the David G. Monette Scholarship Fund for the Arts at Nansemond-Suffolk Academy, 3373 Pruden Blvd, Suffolk, VA 23434. Condolences may be registered at www.rwbakerfh.com.