Dr. Arthur Vance Whittaker

Dr. Arthur Vance Whittaker, a devoted physician, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on September 23, 2025, at the age of 97. Born in Ellwood City, Pennsylvania, on September 5, 1928, he was the son of the late Waters Hartman Whittaker and Margaret Belle Whittaker.

Arthur graduated from Geneva College in 1949 with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and went on to earn his Doctor of Medicine from the University of Maryland in 1954. That same year, he married Janice Taylor Whittaker, with whom he shared many meaningful years. Following medical school, he completed an internship with the Youngstown Hospital Association at Southside Hospital in Ohio.

Proudly answering the call to serve, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1955 and served as a Lieutenant and medical officer at Pearl Harbor’s Ford Island in Honolulu, Hawaii. After two years of service, he returned to Ohio to complete his residency at the Youngstown Hospital Association and established an Internal Medicine practice in Poland. Motivated by his interest in cardiology, Arthur completed a fellowship in Cardiology at the University of Pittsburgh in 1968 and returned to Youngstown to practice with his friend and mentor, Dr. Jim Calvin. Following Dr. Calvin’s passing, Arthur founded Northeast Ohio Cardiology Consultants, which became a leading cardiology practice in the Youngstown area. In 2002, after nearly five decades in medicine, Arthur retired, celebrating his career with friends and colleagues at the Butler Institute of American Art.

A new chapter began in 2004, when Arthur married Ruth Eldridge-Whittaker, with whom he shared many joyful years of companionship, travel, and laughter. Together they explored the world, cherished family gatherings, and enjoyed peaceful time along the Allegheny River in Pennsylvania and at their home in Florida. Arthur remained active throughout his later years, waterskiing until age 80, taking long walks and bike rides, reading avidly, and cheering on his favorite golf and football teams. An outdoorsman at heart, he especially enjoyed hunting and clay shooting, taking great pleasure in both the sport itself and the friendships it fostered. He also cherished the companionship of his German Shepherd, Duchess, who was faithfully by his side in his final years.

Arthur believed deeply in the power of hard work and education, values that guided his life and that he instilled in his family. He leaves behind a legacy of purpose, perseverance, and integrity.

Arthur was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Ruth Eldridge-Whittaker, his first wife, Janice Whittaker, and his sister, Margie Friday. He is survived by his daughters, Lani Davakis (Nick), Alisa Breisacher (Kevin), and Bea Jaye Whittaker (Kathleen); devoted stepdaughters, Patty Warner (Ken) and Cindy Eldridge; grandchildren, Karen Davakis (Jonathon), Rachel Davakis (Michael), Christopher Davakis (Danielle), Caroline Davakis (fiancé Alexander), Jocelyn Breisacher, Taylor Warner, and Ken Warner, Jr. (Jessica); great-granddaughter, Grace Ciancetta; and beloved nieces and nephew, Larry, Jody, Marji, and Lori Friday.

A private family service will be held at a later date. To honor the memory of Dr. Arthur V. Whittaker, donations may be directed to the University of Maryland School of Medicine. Please make checks payable to UMBF, Inc. and mail to the University of Maryland School of Medicine Development Office, Attn: Traci Morgan, 31 South Greene St., 3rd Fl., Baltimore, MD 21201. Donations are also accepted online at www.medschool.umaryland.edu/give for the School of Medicine General Scholarship Fund.