Obituary of Dr. Richard Whittington

Dr. Richard “Dick” Whittington, 67, of Media, died in his home peacefully of acute myeloid leukemia Friday, June 29, 2018 surrounded by family. Born December 12, 1950 to Richard M. Whittington and Eileen Whittington (née Cooney) he was raised in Shaker Heights, Ohio with 4 siblings before graduating from Rice University, and later graduating from Jefferson Medical School. While he attended Jefferson he met the love of his life, Dr. Jane L. Coleman, whom he married on August 28, 1976.

Dr. Whittington practiced medicine as a radiation oncologist and ended his first career at the VA Medical Center-East Orange. He then pursued a Masters in Bioethics and finished his careers as the Director of Palliative Care at Crozer-Chester Medical Center. Dr. Whittington committed his life to serving all people, but especially his patients and their families, with care and compassion, something he never lost sight of. Since retirement he found further service as a math tutor with the Delaware County Literacy Council.

For those who knew him in the Wallingford-Swarthmore community, you were more likely to hear him referred to as “The Cake Man” or “The Skeleton Man:” the former for his tireless commitment to his children’s classrooms and fundraisers where his decorated cakes would be auctioned or enjoyed, the latter for appearing with a skeleton to teach anatomy to elementary students around Halloween.

His interests were varied ranging from history and politics to philosophy to science fiction to sports; his answers to Jeopardy always correct; and his love for others unquestioned. He left this world better than he found it, and he shaped the lives of all who knew and loved him.

He is survived by his wife, and 3 sisters (Kathryn Enchelmayer, Linda Ferguson, and Anne Whittington), son Richard C. Whittington and his wife Shanna Whittington, son Daniel Scullington and his spouse Carolyn Scullington, daughter Sarah Whittington and her partner Patrick Doyle, and grandson Gabriel Richard.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, July 21, 2018 at 11am at Reformation Lutheran Church,102 W. Rose Tree Rd. Media, PA. 19063.

Visitation Saturday, July 21, 2018 after 10am at the church.

In lieu of flowers, please send memorial contributions in his name to The People’s Emergency Center, Delaware County Literacy Council, or a charity of your choice.