David Allan Pethick

David Allan Pethick, 78, of Aiken SC died at home on July 4, 2023 surrounded by his loving family.  Born in New Kensington, PA on October 27, 1944, David was the oldest child of Kenneth Pethick, Sr., and Jean Pethick. 

Graduating from New Kensington High School, David received a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Purdue University in 1966.   In 1970 he received his Juris Doctor degree from American University in Washington, DC. 

During his 40 years of experience in a wide range of nuclear industry management assignments, his career encompassed positions as President and General Manager, URS – Global Management in Aiken; Senior VP, Business Development, Washington Group International, Inc., Aiken; Vice President Planning & Business Development, McDermott International, Inc., New Orleans; President and Co-owner of Kelly, Anderson, Pethick & Associates, Inc., Washington, DC; Division Vice President, Business Management & Development of General Dynamics, Electric Boat Division, Groton, CT; and Design Engineer/Senior Engineer, Electrical Systems Division at Westinghouse in Baltimore, MD where he originally started his career. 

As coach of his children’s basketball, baseball, and softball teams, he was ever present at his children’s many activities.  He enjoyed tennis and golf, and became a “Master’s Enthusiast” when he moved to Aiken, often sharing his love of the game with other family and friends in attendance.  Yearly family reunions brought their large family together to relax from heavy workloads.  David was a leader and servant by example as a deacon and elder in his church.  Finally, he was a master at home renovation design, making his home more comfortable and enjoyable for the many guests they entertained with each new addition. 

In addition to his parents, proceeding him in death were his sister, Diane Armstrong (Chuck) of Toledo, OH, and a brother, Kenneth Pethick, of Erie, PA. 

Survivors include Pamela Pethick, his wife of 55 years, and his children, Kevin (Carey) Pethick, Kristen Pethick, all of Aiken, SC; Katie (Brent) Morris, Fairfax, VA; and Jane Grange, Germantown, MD.  David has 8 grandchildren, Caroline and Will Pethick, Aiken; Jack, Colin and Gavin Grange, Germantown, MD; and Penn, Baker and Ellie Morris of Fairfax, VA.   Laurie Brugger (Timothy) Erie, PA, is his surviving sister.  He has a brother-in-law, Chuck Armstrong, Bonita Springs, FL and sister-in-law, Patti Elmore, Heathville, VA, and nephews Craig Brugger and Robert Elmore, and nieces Alissa Norris, Kelly Armstrong, and Kristy Badik.  

David will be remembered for his unique ability to integrate engineering, legal and business ideas with focus, intensity and energy.  He was a mentor by nature and loved to advance the careers of his management team by offering continual advancement and cross-training opportunities. His ability to develop talent, motivate performance, and think strategically was widely recognized by his peers in the industry. David’s knack for selecting key management teams with demonstrated success resulted in a period of unrivaled success for his business unit under his management.  Not only did David love to develop talent within the nuclear industry, but he also had a passion for educating and mentoring children.  Upon retirement, he became a mentor to many students within the Aiken County school system and developed a new passion to help children graduate high school and succeed in life. 

Visiting/Service info: A service will be held at South Aiken Presbyterian Church at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 8, 2023. There will also be a visitation in the sanctuary at South Aiken Presbyterian Church from 2:00 - 3:45 p.m. prior to the service when the family will receive friends. 

Memorials may be made to: South Aiken Presbyterian Church; The American Cancer Society; or a charity of your choice. 

Napier Funeral Home, 315 Main Street Graniteville, SC 29829 has been entrusted with these arrangements. You may visit the online guestbook at www.napierfh.com