David T. Choate

David Townsend Choate was born on October 11, 1937, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to parents David Wheeler Choate and Anne Palmer Choate. He was the oldest of their four children, with his brothers Peter and Robert, and sister Ellen (predeceased). Early in his life, his family moved around a bit, eventually settling in Media, Pennsylvania in 1949, where David spent most of his childhood. David graduated from Media High School in 1956, then went on to graduate from Widener University with a degree in accounting.

After college, David worked at Lit. Brothers Department store, where he met Rose, his future wife. David then went to serve in the US Army from May 25, 1959, to May 14, 1962. He was ranked PVT (E-1) and was stationed in Eritrea at Kagnew Station. He was extremely proud of his time in the army and fondly recalled his times in Eritrea for the rest of his life. While stationed, he kept in contact with Rose via letters they would send back and forth. David was honorably discharged and returned to Philadelphia.

David and Rose were married on September 29, 1962, at St. Donato’s Roman Catholic Church in Philadelphia. They lived together there for some time after marrying, where they had their first two children, Johanna and David (predeceased), then moved to Drexel Hill in 1969 and had their final child, Beverly. David worked at Sun Ship for many years until they closed, then from 2006 until his retirement worked as an accountant/business manager at Tri County Fountain Center in Lansdowne, PA. David and Rose lived together in their home in Lansdowne until moving to West Chester in 2023.

David loved to read and was always active in his Church and enjoyed the community Bible study at his final home in Bellingham retirement community. He was handy around the house and always had an assortment of well-organized tools on hand, even in his small apartment at Bellingham. He was proudly independent and tenacious throughout his life and was happiest when he was able to fend for himself and care for his family.

David is preceded in death by Rose, his wife of 61 years, and his son David.

He is survived by daughters Johanna and Beverly, grandchildren Michael, Nina, and Samantha, and great-children Mark, James, and Bella.

A memorial service will be held at Alleva Funeral Home in Paoli, PA on Thursday, May 9 at 10:00 am; friends and family are welcome to attend. A private burial will follow at Saints Peter and Paul Cemetery.