David E. Whittemore, 59, lifelong resident of Essex and beloved son of the late Margaret and Edward Whittemore, passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday morning, December 11, 2014 after a long and courageous battle. David graduated from Gloucester High School with the class of 1973. After graduating, he joined the Army, where he served his commission at Ft. Polk, Louisiana. David was an employee at Woodman’s for over 40 years, and was thrilled to be featured in the Adam Sandler movie, Grown Ups, filmed in 2009. Whit was an avid sports fan, and a talented athlete, with a passion for running, but his greatest love was for the game of baseball. He pitched for the Essex Town Team, and umpired both in Florida & Massachusetts. Throughout David’s life, he enjoyed many travels, to beautiful beaches, often times on his motorcycle, enjoying incredible sunsets and making memorable lifelong friendships. David will be remembered by all for his “quick wit”. He was a great friend to Bill W.

A service will be held on Tuesday, December 16, 2014 at the First Congregational Church, 39 Main St. Essex, at 11:00 a.m., with a potluck lunch immediately following in the church hall located downstairs. Food will be collected beginning at 10:00 a.m. in front of the church before the celebration of David’s life. Donations will be collected at the funeral for a plaque to be placed at Memorial Park, where Whit pitched and umpired for many years. Please make checks payable to Woodman’s, with ‘Whit’s plaque’ on the memo line, and mail to Doug Woodman PO Box 349 Essex, MA 01929. In keeping with David’s wishes, his ashes will be scattered at the mouth of the Essex River at a later date.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Whittier-Porter Funeral Home in Ipswich.