David R. Wharton

David R. Wharton, 72 of Adams Township died Thursday November 18, 2021 at his home. He was born October 7, 1949 in Pittsburgh to the late Robert S. and Dorothy M. (Smith) Wharton. Dave grew up in Mars graduating from Mars High School in 1967. Following high school Dave served country during the Vietnam war in the 101st Airborne Division of the US Army. Following discharge, he graduated from Indiana University of PA with a degree in Criminal Justice. He served as a police officer in both Mars and Springdale Boroughs and as Chief of Police in Seven Fields Borough when they had their own Police Department. He is a member of the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 107 and a member of the Blue Knights International Motorcycle Club as well as a charter member of the PA-21 Chapter. He is a life member of the Mars VFC, serving as a firefighter and medic with the Rescue Squad. He served as an elected State Constable in Adams Township and a member of the Butler County Constables Association. He was a Humane Officer for the Butler County Humane Society. He was co-founder of the Cranberry Family Support Group which is now known as the Bridge to Hope Family Support Group, which has assisted hundreds of families affected by addiction. He was the founder of the Cranberry Community Outreach Program which helped many individuals affected by addiction, finding treatment and housing. He worked at the Butler VA Medical Center, Domiciliary Substance Abuse Program and worked as a facilitator at the Allegheny County Jail with the Strength Program, a drug prevention and life skills program for inmates. Being a recovering addict himself, he was also a mentor and friend to many others through his work in a 12-step program. He was a master auto and motorcycle mechanic and was a friend and mentor to everyone. There are Five things you can’t recover in life, which are 1. A stone after it is thrown; 2. A word after it is said; 3. An occasion after it is missed; 4. TIME after it has passed; 5. A person after they die. Each friend represents a world in us, a world not possible until they arrive. Live more in your heart and less in your head. Have a great day!

He is survived by his siblings Sue Wharton of NC, Ann E. Weber of Middlesex Twp. and Donald (Sharon) Wharton of Mars. Dear friends Dale Nichols of Mars, Theodore Ries of Renfrew, Kai Tackard of Adams Township and James G. Smullin of West Deer.

Besides his parents he was preceded in death by his foster-son Robert J. Wilmoth on August 24, 2017.

A celebration of David’s life will be scheduled at a later date. Arrangements were entrusted to the SIWICKI-YANICKO FUNERAL HOME, 23 McKrell Road, Russellton, West Deer Twp. In lieu of flowers Donations suggested to Bridge to Hope ;then select Bridge to Hope in designation options. View obituary online and leave condolences at www.siwicki-yanickofh.com.

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