David Elder Withers

David Elder Withers went to be with the Lord peacefully on Friday, September 4th with his son and daughter by his side He was a much-loved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and uncle. Dave was born on October 26, 1933, to Ruth and Walter Withers in New Castle, PA. He was the youngest and last survivor of four boys. He was a Navy Veteran in the Korean War serving in the Philippines, after he attended Penn State University achieving a BS in Education focused on Chemistry. He married the love of his life, Jeanne Allen Cooper and they both taught in their home town. Dave worked as a chemistry teacher at Neshanock H.S. from 1959-1964, where he served as the Golf Coach and Athletic Director. He left his teaching career to work for American Cyanamid Company where his chemistry background allowed him to create new formulas for aggregate purification that are still used worldwide today. Dave was a world traveler who has been to over 25 countries via work and the Navy. He and Jeanne traveled with their children often, many times it was an education destination, the Jersey Shore, Florida or Skiing up north. Throughout his life, his dedication to Jesus and God was present. He gave not only to Church, but to anyone in need. He was a teacher in life and respected by all who knew him; a gentle giant whose heart was bigger than he was physically. He leaves behind his son, Scott Withers and wife Olga Withers, his daughter Barbara Venditto-Riseman and husband Steven Riseman, his grandson Bobby Venditto and wife Keryn Venditto, his granddaughter Marissa Davison and husband Dan Davison, his grandson Eric Venditto and wife Hayley Venditto and many loving nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife Jeanne C. Withers of 48 years in December of 2005. Services will be held Saturday, September 19th at 9:00 AM in Faith Baptist Church, 765 Commonwealth Ave, Warwick, RI. Doors will be open at 8:30 AM to the public. Burial with Military Honors will follow at Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 301 South County Trail, Exeter, RI. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Hope Alzheimer’s Center in Cranston, RI in Dave's memory.

David Elder Withers

September 4, 2026