DAVID PIRRITTE KARCHER's Obituary
David lived a long and full life. It began in Chicago where he lived in the Family home with his parents, Leo Michael Karcher and Lida Pirritte Karcher along with his beloved Aunt Helene Pirritte and their brother, William Pirritte.
After graduation from the University of Chicago and continuing work on his Master’s in International Relations, he became an Ensign in the U.S. Navy. After serving in Japan on an LST (Staff) and Minesweepers, he continued his Navy sea duty on a Destroyer on the East Coast of the United States. Locating to Florida in 1958, he continued his education at the University of Miami Law School, where he later taught for over 20 years. While there he was initiated into Iron Arrow and was Executive Editor of the Law Review
While practicing Admiralty Law, he transferred to the Marine Corps, serving as Commanding Officer of 4th Anglico.
During that period he attended Jump School becoming a Paratrooper and volunteered for duty in Vietnam. While on active duty there, he earned the Distinguished Flying Cross, 4 Air Medals and the Purple Heart.
His service to the Community included President of the Dade County Defense Bar Assn., President of the Miami Chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates, and Chairman of the Southeastern Admiralty Law Institute. He became a Florida Certified Mediator. At one time he was President of the Florida Morgan Horse Club and the Coral Gables Crime Watch.
On September 29, 1986, David was ordained as a Deacon in the Episcopal Church. This was a long-time calling and became the focal point of his life along with the Marine Corps. In order to better serve, he graduated from the Florida Highway Patrol Police Academy and was the Chaplain to the South Miami Police Department.
He served the Diocese chairing the Commission on Ministry and serving on Liturgy and Stewardship. David served as Deacon at St Philip’s Episcopal Church for many years where his Service will be held on March 26.
David died at his home on March 5 2022 with his Family at his side - a Blessing for him and for each one of us.
He is survived by his Children - Katherine Anne (Trinka) Walton and Dennis Walton, Michael Karcher and his wife Debbie, Col. David Karcher II and Mary Dunn Karcher.
Six Grandchildren -
David Karcher III, Christopher Karcher,
Sarah Walton and Neal, Jonathan Walton and Madiha, Kelly Jean Karcher, Caitlin Karcher Wolf and Brian Wolf.
David lived to celebrate 67 years of marriage to Joanne whom he met at the University of Chicago and married on March 4, 1955.
As we gather, there will be many stories told of his life - of fencing and horses, sailing and love of reading and history. We are most thankful for his long life and that we shared that with him.
His burial will be at Arlington National Cemetery.
What’s your fondest memory of DAVID?
What’s a lesson you learned from DAVID?
Share a story where DAVID's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with DAVID you’ll never forget.
How did DAVID make you smile?