Published in the July 19, 2019 edition.
STONEHAM — E. David Whooley, 75, a longtime resident of Stoneham, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Friday, July 12, 2019.
David was born in Somerville in 1943, one of three sons of the late John and Mary (McCarthy) Whooley. He was raised in Somerville, graduated from Somerville High School, Class of 1963 and from the New England Institute of Industrial Technology. In 1971, he married Virginia A. Cawley and they settled in Stoneham to raise a family of five children. A pipefitter by trade, Dave was a longtime member of the Pipefitters, Local 537 for many years.
An avid outdoorsman, Dave loved fishing, and hunting. He loved being out on the water, fishing, or pulling up his lobster traps from Boston Harbor. He enjoyed yearly deer hunting trips to Dover-Foxcroft, Maine with his friends and family. A longtime member of Mystic Wellington Yacht Club, Dave enjoyed owning many boats over his life and took great pride in attending the “Blessing of the Fleet” every year with his family. For Dave, any day on the water was a good day.
Forever proud of his Irish heritage, Dave enjoyed returning to his family’s farming roots in Ireland. He had a lifelong love for Irish music, and loved sharing a laugh or funny story with his friends. A great sports fan, he enjoyed watching any sport but especially enjoyed the Patriots, Red Sox and Bruins. When at home, Dave also enjoyed watching the old classic western movies. Most of all, he cherished his family, especially his beloved nine grandchildren who affectionately called him “Grumpy.”
Outgoing and always ready with a joke, Dave was well-loved by many. He will be deeply missed.
David was the beloved husband of 48 years to Virginia A. (Cawley) Whooley. Devoted father of Salvatore Whooley and his late wife Michelle of Boston, Ciro Whooley of Stoneham, Gino Whooley and his wife MaryEllen of Stoneham, Veronica Sestini and her husband David of Methuen, and Matthew Whooley and his wife Laura of Indiana. Dear brother of the late Jeremiah and his surviving wife Jane of Medford, and the late John Whooley. Loving grandfather, “Grumpy,” of Steven, Alycia, Justin, Emily, Isabella, Ava, Miah, Jonathan, and Eoghen.
Family and friends gathered in honor of David’s life during visiting hours at the Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St., Melrose on Tuesday, July 16, before leaving in procession to Most Blessed Sacrament Church, 1155 Main St., Wakefield for his funeral Mass. In lieu of flowers, gifts in his memory may be sent to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Pl., Memphis, TN 38105. For online tribute or directions RobinsonFuneralHome.com.
