More detail on this person: "Born in Altoona, PA, dad grew up the youngest of three children. He was a graduate of Pennsylvania Military School and later served in Vietnam as a helicopter pilot. Upon his return, he secured a Masters of Business Administration from the University of New Mexico and became a stockbroker. Dad found his calling in the financial world. The movement of the markets, determining the next best trade, and his eagerness to see "what the stocks are going to do" was part of his life for over 50 years. He thrived on helping his clients find their financial footing and was celebrated with a variety of promotions and awards throughout his storied career." Ask my dad his greatest success in life? It was building our family with mom. He says meeting mom was such good timing, with a twinkle in his eye, because "She had a color television, football season was coming, so I asked her to marry me." Mom and dad celebrated 51 years of marriage and his love of mom was protective, supportive and based on the belief that together, the two of them could tackle the world. He treasured the many trips they shared that included Hawaii and Alaska to Europe and Greece. He often said, "Your mom takes great care of me" with such genuine appreciation it made your heart skip a beat. He just loved mom so very much. He relished the role of raising three children and talked of our accomplishments with such pride. We never doubted that for a single moment that we were his joy and that he loved being our dad. He was not overly effusive, so when he shared his love and support for us, we knew it was honest, sincere and heartfelt. Watching him be "Papa" to his grandsons was priceless. From building a fort for them, special Nanny and Papa trips, skiing in Colorado, playing trains, carving pumpkins or playing cards - he built memories with the boys that will last forever. We will miss dad fiercely and even though we know it was his time, our hearts weren't fully ready to say goodbye. Loving him always: Pat Whittaker (wife); Allison (Whittaker) Marrero (daughter) & her husband John; Scott Whittaker (son) & his wife Suzy. Treasured grandsons: Spencer and Jackson Marrero. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Shannon (Whittaker) Culbert.
Burial information: Greenwich Cemetery, Savannah, GA
This information was last updated 09/18/2025
Please send additions or corrections to: HQ@vhpa.org VHPA Headquarters
Return to the Helicopter Pilot DAT name list
Return to VHPA web site
Date posted on this site: 10/13/2025
Copyright © 1998 - 2025 Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association