David E. McWhirt, 84, of Thomaston, died peacefully May 30, at VITAS Hospice located in St Mary's Hospital. Born on November 24, 1933, in Johnstown, N.Y., son of Alvin and Anna (Long) McWhirt, he was the oldest of four children.

Mr McWhirt lived with his family for many years in Newtown, then relocated to Bethlehem, Woodbury, and most recently, Thomaston. The family cottage on Bantam Lake provided him with rest and relaxation for many years.

While living in Newtown, he was a member of the Newtown United Methodist Church. He served as trustee, treasurer, and was instrumental in the project of physically moving the church across the street. Mr McWhirt was an active member of the Woodbury United Methodist Church; he served as a trustee and enjoyed singing in the choir.

He proudly served in the Army during the Korean War. He was married to Patricia (McConchie) McWhirt on July 18, 1959. Mr McWhirt was a graduate of Bentley College and Quinnipac University. His 50-year accounting career started at Remington Arms Co in Bridgeport, followed by time at Upjohn Co in North Haven and MacDermid Inc in Waterbury.

Mr McWhirt was a man of many interests. His primary focus in life was his family. In his younger years, he had a passion for anything automotive and mechanical. Whether he was working on his 1950 Ford or tinkering with a piece of yard equipment, he was happy in his garage. He passed on his love of auto racing to his son. Mr McWhirt also took great pride in his home, completing additions and upgrades with the help of family and friends. One of his true loves was snow skiing, and he was able to ski with family and friends throughout the Northeast and in Europe. In later years, with his wife Patricia, he enjoyed many destination location trips with their grandchildren.

Mr McWhirt leaves his true love of nearly 60 years, Patricia, to carry on his legacy. In addition, his daughters, Karen McWhirt and her husband, Robert, and Kathryn D'Alessandro and her husband, Geoffrey; son, Scott McWhirt and his wife, Rhonda; grandchildren, Emily Fitzpatrick and her husband, Ryan, Eric Pattison and his wife, Caitlin, Claire D'Alessandro, Colette D'Alessandro, Brian McWhirt, and Gabrielle McWhirt; sisters, Fay Holt and Myrna Hulbert; and sister-in-law, Olive McConchie, survive him. His grandchildren will miss their "Papa" dearly, but they cherish the fun times spent with him.

His parents and sister, Dawn D'Urso, predeceased him.

The family wishes to thank the caregivers of Vitas Hospice and Elder Crew for their compassionate, loving care extended to Mr McWhirt during his time of need.

Calling Hours will be Friday, June 29, from 5 to 7 pm, at Munson-Lovetere Funeral Home, 2 School Street, Woodbury.

A Memorial Service celebrating Mr McWhirt's life will be Saturday, June 30, at 11 am, at Woodbury United Methodist Church, 4 Church Street, Woodbury, with a reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to VITAS Healthcare, 199 Park Road Extension Suite 102, Middlebury CT 06762; or to the Woodbury United Methodist Church, 4 Church Street, Woodbury CT 06798.

To leave an online condolence, visit munsonloveterefuneralhome.com.