Tributes
Leave a tributeWith the dawning of each new year, I find myself missing you, my only sibling, on a daily basis. Everyday I live with the regret of not being present during your time of need. In retrospect, I can only hope that my prayers would have been answered allowing me to protect you from the myriad evils you encountered on a daily basis. Although there were many people that loved you and were extremely concerned with your well being, they were unable to shield you from the ones that would do you harm. This should have been my responsibility and for this transgression, I must live my life in sorrow and shame for which I am eternally sorry.
David, may God bless you while allowing you to live a happy and stress free existence.
Happy Birthday. I love you.
Trust in Jesus for the forgiveness of sins and look forward to what will come.
David, rest in peace and may God bless you.
I often reflect on the times Dave an I had. All those spaghetti dinners with Uncle. Playing Frisbee in the mall parking lot. Restaurants on Saturdays. The Red Tavern in Methuen and the Backstreets in Andover were among his favorites. Playing pinball at the Dream Machine in the Methuen Mall. Hopping in the Pinto and getting lost afterward. We would get lost all over eastern New England. On one occasion we were riding around eastern Massachusetts. We arrived at the ocean. We stopped and asked a young lady "Is this Salisbury beach?" She pointed north and said "Way over there. This is Cape Ann.". (Q. How do you get to Cape Ann? A. You take a left in Bradford....). The hours jammin' out tunes on the Nikko. The chess games we played when he visited us in New Jersey. All those times have slipped into the past. So many memories... too many to list and certainly none to be forgotten.
I never had a brother, but if I did I like to think he'd be a lot like Dave. I am confident that Dave and I will meet again one day.
I'll bring the Frisbee and Dave will bring the music. We'll have a dish of spaghetti, put on some old T. Rex and maybe raise a glass... to wind and cars and people of the past.
Rest in peace Dave. Rest in peace.
One day, I got to play!! Turns out that I was pretty good at that and the boys wished that I would stay in the kitchen!
We moved to NJ when I was 9 years old. I met up with David at family gatherings over the years and stayed in touch through the single guys in the family .
My brother, John, and Uncle Clar hung out with David often. They would think of me and call routinely. David was always upbeat and laughing . He loved his son and was so proud of him!
We grieve his death but know that he is in a better place with those that have gone before him! We know that he is enjoying the beauty and peace that is heaven!
God bless the Whittemore family and give you peace that passes understanding at this difficult time!
Love to all,
Cathy Edson
I also want to express my sincere gratitude to all of you that have left tributes and stories on this site. The thoughtfulness of your comments and remembrances will afford his family an opportunity to revisit David's life and reflect on his many friendships cultivated over the years.
Lastly, I want to extend my thanks for the beautiful flowers that were brought to the cemetery to adorn my brother's grave. I wish I had an opportunity to thank each one of you individually as words cannot convey my true appreciation.
Please accept my heartfelt thanks, I will be eternally grateful.
God Bless You David. I love you.
The stereo must be a Pioneer.
The equalizer is the MOST important feature.
The balance of treble and bass create the ultimate experience.
The lights on the stereo created by the sound waves should be the only light in the room.
NO distractions.
Great metaphor for life!
David was Pink Floyd, Rush, and The Who. I was Led Zeppelin, Van Halen, and Aerosmith but our passion was the same as was our desire to share that passion with all who would listen.
I remember David as always being happy, always ready to engage in conversation, kind, and wanting to befriend everyone. We should all be so generous.
Spin your favorite vinyl.
Drop the needle slowly in the groove.
Place your headphones securely until you hear your beating heart.
Turn up the volume!
This is where David lives.
I wish I knew...It's useless to say this now, but I could have been more patient, more understanding and more supportive to you. With you trying your best to live a "normal" life, taking care of Mom, our separation and trying so hardly to spend quality time with your son Keith, this was quite a challenge. Keith Evan and I are so proud of you! I know it's too late but I want to salute you, David, for doing a great job in spite of everything. You are a great man! You will always be in my heart because in there...you're still alive. I will always remember the great times we shared together. You will greatly missed!
Rest in peace Dave! I am glad you're HOME. Till we meet again...
We love you Dad.
See You Again- Wiz Khalifa ( Keith played this song in the car last week)
Rest in Peace David.
Love,
Larry, Cheryl, Larry IV and Rob Stahley
I'm sorry you are no longer here but I'm sure that your spirit is safe with family and friends and that you are still smiling. With love, Nancy
We had a lot of good times together.
Thanks for being there when I needed it most.
Above all, thanks for being a wonderful Cousin.
You are greatly missed.
Although we have never met, I was quite shocked to hear of Dave's passing. He has been my neighbor for the last 14 years and will be greatly missed.
He was always very kind to me and my family....always offering to help. On several occasions he had pruned & trimmed bushes and helped with clean up. He also introduced me to his son whose name escapes me now. I offered him & his son the use of the pool, however, he never took me up on it.
I was looking forward to meeting you, It is with regret that I will not be able to attend the service on the 18th as I do work full time and have several meetings on that day. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
May God Bless you.
Desiree
They walk beside us every day,
Unseen, unheard, but always near,
Still loved, still missed and very dear.
David was a sweet and happy child growing up. Later on he became the sole caretaker of his mother and life became more difficult. He did the best he could in difficult times.
David and I shared a love of music enjoying favorite popular groups of musicians. He enjoyed a lot of music not typical of his age group proving he reached far beyond the "top ten." Les Elgart was an orchestra we both enjoyed which showed his wide interest of musical tastes.
These a re the memories that will keep him close in thought.
Leave a Tribute
With the dawning of each new year, I find myself missing you, my only sibling, on a daily basis. Everyday I live with the regret of not being present during your time of need. In retrospect, I can only hope that my prayers would have been answered allowing me to protect you from the myriad evils you encountered on a daily basis. Although there were many people that loved you and were extremely concerned with your well being, they were unable to shield you from the ones that would do you harm. This should have been my responsibility and for this transgression, I must live my life in sorrow and shame for which I am eternally sorry.
David, may God bless you while allowing you to live a happy and stress free existence.
Happy Birthday. I love you.
Trust in Jesus for the forgiveness of sins and look forward to what will come.
I have know David for many years. We had many fun times with him, his Mom Pauline, our friend Mary and her 4 children and then latter my husband Brian.
We went to Benson's Animal Farm one time. We had many laughs playing Trivial Pursuit with other friends, the Naylors. David had many versions of this game.
Brian and David went to a number of Patriots football games at the courtesy of his brother who gave him the tickets. Yes, he did love music very much. It was an escape for him. We went to an Eric Clapton concert with him. Brian and he went to a Jethro Tull concert as well. He had been attending the church we belong to: it was very nice to see him there. He brought his cousin John and once he brought his son to church. We were very surprised to hear of his passing. Our sympathy goes out to the family.
Brian & Lillian McGinty
In Remembrance of My Brother
My brother, David Evan Whittemore, five years my junior, was a kind and compassionate person. Unfortunately, life was not nearly as gracious to him. David, for myriad reasons, was always misunderstood. His life was wrought with challenges. Yet, as his brother I knew and appreciated his love and kindness.
David was a lifelong resident of Methuen; it was the only home he ever knew. He married and had a son, one he dearly loved and who provided him with a sense of immense pride. Meanwhile, I had moved to California, married and had two children of my own. Regrettably, my children never had the opportunity to know David as their uncle.
As David proceeded down his life's path, it began to become apparent to those who interacted with him that there was something terribly amiss. His personality, vibrant and gregarious as a child, had suddenly become volatile and caused him to lash out at those trying to support and comfort him. None of us realized the extent to which he was struggling. It was not until very late in his life, unbeknownst to us and far too late, that he, like many others, was suffering from mental health related issues. This ailment/disease afflicts millions, yet for those of us fortunate enough to escape its hold, we lack the knowledge and, in many cases, the courage to address the issue head-on. As such, my brother was forced to face this harsh reality and its associated repercussions by himself. I cannot begin to imagine the courage and fortitude it required on his part to deal with these challenges on a daily basis while also trying to live a "normal" life. I, for one, would not have been able to endure the pain. In acknowledging my own inability to persevere and adapt, I have no doubt that David was attacking these challenges to the best of his ability and far more effectively than most. This has become evident as I begin to tend to his personal affairs. In as much, I am amazed at his strength and immense desire to succeed.
As I pay tribute to my brother, I'd like us all to reflect on his many positive traits and passions. One that immediately comes to mind is his love of music and its cathartic affect helping him through troubled times. Let us pause for a moment of reflection to recall a song that touches our hearts and represents a meaningful moment in our respective lives. While replaying the melody and lyrics in our minds, please allow a smile to crease your lips and wish my brother a fond farewell.
In closing, I pray to God that David takes his rightful place in Heaven and that he will realize the comfort and peace he was denied in life, but so richly deserves now. I know that our mother is anxiously awaiting his arrival and will greet him with open arms and undying love.
God Bless You David.