David John Whittle

David John Whittle “Dave” was born on August 3, 1952 in Cleveland Heights, Ohio to his parents, William Cyrus Whittle and Felicia Ann Von Magnus Whittle. He attended Lutheran High School East in Cleveland Heights, Ohio. He moved with his family to Saugerties, New York in December 1968 and graduated from Saugerties High School in 1971. Dave met the love of his life, Linda Temple, at Saugerties High School. They were high school sweethearts and were married January 13, 1973 at St. Mary of the Snow Catholic Church. They were married for 43 years and were blessed with three wonderful children: Jason, Sean, and Kimberly.

Dave acquired his love of cars early on and studied auto mechanics in high school. His career as an auto mechanic spanned over 43 years where he worked at both Ford and Chevy dealerships both in upstate New York and California. He worked at Verizon as a Fleet Mechanic for 16 years and retired from there on February 7, 2014. Dave was an expert auto mechanic and could diagnose and repair any mechanical problem, and built and rebuilt engines. He souped up his 65 Ford 289 Mustang and 62 Ford Fairlane and also raced at Lebanon Valley Speedway in New York. Dave loved motor sports, particularly drag races and Motorcycle Trials Riding. He was a competitive Trials Rider in the Plonkers Motorcycle Club for 30 years.

Dave was an avid learner and would master everything he pursued. He attended college and received his certification in Solar Energy Technology. Dave had a great interest in photography and started up his own business called “Whittle Media Productions.” He produced videos for family and friends that are treasured keepsakes today.

Dave loved his dog, a cocker spaniel named Joe Cocker, who was Dave’s faithful companion. Dave enjoyed camping in his Lazy Daze RV and looked forward with great anticipation to the annual family camping trips to Pismo Beach where he usually celebrated his birthdays. He loved to read, especially military books. Dave was a great cook and made fabulous meals. He had a green thumb and enjoyed vegetable gardening. Dave owned an impressive collection of model cars. He loved the countryside, especially the beautiful Catskill Mountain region of New York State and Oregon Coastline.

Dave will always be remembered as a down-to-earth man who loved spending time with his family and friends. His family was the center of his life. He was a loving son, husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend to many. He was courageous, strong, and generous. He believed in God and Salvation.

Dave is survived by his mother, Felicia Whittle; his wife, Linda Whittle; his sons, Jason and Sean Whittle; his daughter, Kimberly Whittle; his sisters, Patty Whittle and Nancy Terrill; his mother-in-law, Lena Temple; his sister-in-laws, Patricia Pettey and Christine Temple; his brother-in-law, Mike Pettey; his daughter-in-laws, Holly and Christina Whittle; his grandchildren, Averie, Johnny, Ty, Kieran, and Sinead Whittle; his aunt, Jane Hahn, cousins, nieces and nephews and many special friends. Dave was preceded in death by his father, Bill Whittle.

Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, August 30, 2016, at St. Peter and St. Paul Catholic Church, 9135 Banyan St., Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91737, phone 909-987-9312. Burial will follow at Oakdale Memorial Cemetery on Grand Ave. and Gladstone in Glendora. Flowers can be sent directly to the Church, or donations in lieu of flowers can be made to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network at https://secure.pancan.org/site/Donation2?df_id=1480&1480.donation=form1 in memory of Dave.