Donald David Whifield II, 78 years young, of Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina passed away on April 3^rd, 2026.  Don entered this world on March 27^th, 1948, in Altoona, PA to Donald Whitfield and Iris Whitfield (Ake). He graduated from Penn State University (We Are Penn State!) in 1970 and was proudly commissioned into the United States Army (Hooah!).

Don is survived by his wife, Giovanna (Nina) Whitfield, who he affectionately called Nic, his son, Donald Whifield III, his daughter, Nicole Flynn, her husband Colonel George Flynn III and his five beautiful and cherished granddaughters, Gianna, Addysen, Tessa, Ava, and Keira.

During his military career, he served 2 tours in Europe, one tour in Korea and numerous assignments in the United States.  He began his career as an Infantry Platoon Leader with the 58^th Mechanized Infantry at Ft. Benning, GA. His career spanned 19 ½ years including position of Company Commander, Chief of Ordinance Enlisted Branch PERSCOM, Commander of Lake City and Twin City Army Ammunition Plants in Independence, MO and Arden Hills, MN respectively. He was the Commander of Sierra Army Depot in Herlong, CA and culminated his career as the Chief of Combat Servies Support Division as the Enlisted Support Director for PERSCOM. He is the recipient of the Legion of Merit – 4^th award, Meritorious Service Medal – 4^th award, Army Commendation Medal – 2^nd award, National Defense Service Medal – 2^nd award, and the Army Achievement Medal.

Following his retirement from the Army in 1999, he led a successful 2^nd career at Parsons Brinckerhoff Inc., an engineering company, as a Senior Vice President, Deputy Director and Operations Officer of the Federal Division.  In 2012, he sprung for fancy digs in Ocean Isle Beach, NC and moved into the wonderful community of Ocean Ridge Plantation.  He enjoyed over a decade serving with VFW Calabash Post #7288, the Knights of Columbus at St. Brendan the Navigator Church, and volunteering at the Lord’s Food Pantry in Shallotte, NC.

Don was a student of the Bible, a lover of the outdoors, animals, his dog Baron, traveling, golf, running, and a talented musician.  He was a devout suffering fan of the Steelers, Pirates, and Celtics.  Quite possibly his favorite pastime was hunting and fishing with his brother, father, son and close friends.  He had a sharp wit, loved a good joke, and was the most generous man you could meet.  He was a steadfast friend and devoted to his people.  When he loved you, his love showed up – loud in action, quiet in certainty.  He loved his family deeply, praised them often, and cherished every moment he could spend with them.  He was steady in his presence.  He gave the kind of hugs that fixed things and made the world quieter.  He is deeply missed in ways words cannot convey, and the world is a smaller place without him.

A funeral mass will be held at St. Brendan the Navigator Catholic Church in Shallotte, NC on Monday, April 13^th at 10 am.  The burial will take place at Arlington National Cemetery; details will be forthcoming.  In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Col Donald Whifield, USA Memorial Scholarship.  Donations can be sent to VFW Post 7288, Calabash, NC for Veterans and Family members at Brunswick Community College.