Walter David Racine III, loved sailing
Walter “Dave” David Racine III, 87, of Rehoboth Beach, passed away Wednesday, Nov. 23, 2022, at his home. He was born Monday morning March 11, 1935, in Wilmington, son of the late Walter David Jr. and Helen (Solway) Racine.
Dave lived in NYC until 1938, when the family moved to Winterthur Farms, where he lived until 1957. He attended Wilmington public schools and graduated from Wilmington High School Class of 1952. Dave worked at Winterthur Farms as a farm hand all summers, vacation times, and in-between school terms from the age of 14 until he was almost 21 years old. He attended University of Delaware, completing two years in mechanical engineering.
In July 1954, in Sunday school, Dave met the most beautiful and talented Catherine “Kitty” Schimmel. She had just moved to Wilmington from Panama, to attend Goldey-Beacom College. Dave was immediately attracted to her, and they had their first date in August, during which they drove to Rehoboth Beach for a day of waterskiing. From that day on, their romance blossomed, they fell in love and were married Oct. 5, 1957. That love lasted for the rest of Dave’s life. Though he lost Kitty in this life in July 2004, they are now together again.
Dave loved sailing, especially racing sailboats and coastal living. He enjoyed cruising, building and repairing boats. Dave was a 50-plus-year member of Rehoboth Bay Sailing Association, where he served in many positions, including commodore, member of the board, grounds manager, and all-around mentor to sailors young and old. He was a life member of the Elks Lodge and a faithful member of Christian Science Church. Above all, Dave loved his family and spending time with them. He was a loving and devoted father, grandfather, brother, and friend. He was loved by all who knew him, and will be greatly missed.
In addition to his parents, Dave was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 47 years, Catherine “Kitty” Schimmel Racine. He is survived by his children: David Alan Racine of Columbus, Ohio, and Pamela Ann Racine of Rehoboth Beach; his grandchildren: Amanda “Mandi” Catherine Brodersen of Seaford, and Hunter Reid Racine and Jasmine Pearl Racine, both of Columbus; and his sister, Ruth Anne Racine-Richards (Dick).
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday, Dec. 29, at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Highway, Lewes, where friends may visit beginning at 10 a.m.
“My life has been a great life, with many ups and downs, good and not so good, with details beyond description, but as fabulous as anyone could ever hope for in this life on earth. I thank God for the life and the love I have had here on earth, as I move on with no regrets,” with the deepest love and God’s guidance to all, “Dad” Walter David Racine III.
Final care has been entrusted to Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, Lewes.
Visit and share memories at Dave Racine Memorial Facebook page, facebook.com/groups; email family at DaveRforeversailing@gmail.com to be informed of future arrangements.
Sign Dave’s virtual guestbook at parsellfuneralhomes.com.
