David M. Blakeman, 76, a lifelong resident of Whitman died on November 3rd in the Good Samaritan Medical Center. He was the beloved husband of Christophora Susy (Yudiwati) Blakeman.
David was born May 11, 1940 the second son of the Gerald M. and Tena B. (DeFelice) Blakeman.
He is survived by his loving and devoted wife Susy, his sister, Rosemary (Blakeman) Sarcione of Bridgewater, many nieces and nephews. He also leaves many beloved cousins in Renazzo, Italy. He was preceded in death by his older brother, Gerald M. Blakeman, Jr.
He was a graduate of Whitman schools and an alumnus of the Stockbridge School and the University of Arizona. He was employed in the design of nuclear power plants across America. Following a career in electrical engineering, he was employed by the U.S Postal Service, retiring in 2002.
He was a disabled veteran, having served in the U.S Army’s elite Berlin Brigade and had served in joint exercises with the French and British armies. David was a member of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War and a life member of the Disabled Veterans of America.
He was a communicant of the Holy Ghost Church, where he had served as an organist and as an extraordinary minister of Holy Communion.
David served the Town of Whitman as a member of the Conservation Commission, Town By-Laws Study Committee and as a special police officer.
He had been a ham radio operator for over fifty years, following in the footsteps of his father, who was a pioneer of early radio.
His funeral services will be held on Thursday November 10th at 9:45AM from the Blanchard Funeral Chapel, Plymouth St. (Rte 58 at the rotary circle) Whitman, followed by a funeral mass at 10:30AM in the Holy Ghost Church. Burial will follow in the St. James Cemetery, Whitman. Visitation will be on Wednesday November 9th from 5:00-8:00PM. Donations may be made in David’s name to the SMA Fathers, 337 Common St., Dedham, MA 02026 or smafathers.org