Dr. Richard P. Whittaker, 75
FEB. 26, 2016
Dr. Richard P. Whittaker, 75, husband of Margaret (Peggy) Whittaker, died peacefully in the presents of loved ones at the Seasons Hospice, Phoenixville Hospital on February 26, 2016. He had been suffering from lung cancer, which was diagnosed in August of 2015. Dr. Whittaker will be remembered for his positive attitude; enthusiasm for life; and kind, generous nature.
He served the Pottstown community as an orthopedic surgeon for almost forty years. He was president of the Pot ts town Memorial Medical Center (PMMC) medical staff, head of the department of surgery and has served as Chairman of the Board of PMMC since 2008. He taught weekly at the University of Pennsylvania Medical School, and received a Dean’s Award for Excellence in Clinical Teaching.
Dr. Whittaker served on the Pottsgrove School Board for six years and was a volunteer doctor for the Pottsgrove football team for ten years. He has hosted exchange students from South Africa, Japan, Colombia, Portugal, France and Mexico in his home. He has served as an elder at First Presbyterian Church, assistant Girl Scout leader, on the United Way Advance Gifts Solicitation Committee and volunteered with Habitat for Humanity.
Dr. Whittaker served with the U.S. Army Medical Corp in Panama, Germany and in Saudi Arabia during Operation Desert Storm, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel. He was a keynote speaker at Memorial Day and Veterans Day Ceremonies.
In celebration of the bicentennial of the United States in 1976 Dr. Whittaker drove a horse drawn carriage ambulance across Pennsylvania in the re-enactment of the wagon train.
Dr. Whittaker was president of the Pennsylvania Medical Society and President of the Pennsylvania Orthopedic Society.
Dr. Whittaker is survived by his wife Peggy Whit-taker, and four children, Laura (Whittaker) Calizzi, married to Michael Calizzi, residing in The Woodlands, Texas; Susan (Whittaker) Glynn, married to Thomas Glynn, residing in Dublin, Ireland; Dr. Scott Whittaker, married to Kim (Kreitlow) Whittaker, residing in Arlington, Virginia; and Keith Whittaker, married to Ann (Henshaw) Whittaker, residing in New Caanan, Conneticut. He is also survived by 11 grandchildren and his sister Susan Whittaker Castaldi, married to Andrew Castaldi, of Oradell, New Jersey. He was predeceased by two brothers, Robert Whittaker and David Whittaker of Exton, PA.
A Memorial Service will be held for Dr. Whittaker on Friday, March 18 at 11:30 a.m., proceeded by visitation from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 750 N Evans St., Pottstown. Donations in memory of Dr. Whittaker can be made to Chester Co. Community Foundation, memo: Helen + Robert Whittaker Memorial Trailhead Park. Send to Chester County Community Foundation, The Lincoln Building, 28 W. Market Street, West Chester, PA 19382.
Catagnus Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Inc., Pottstown is in charge of arrangements.
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