David T. Pickett, 79
David T. Pickett, 79, of Wareham, Massachusetts, formerly of Nelsonville, Ohio, passed away peacefully surrounded by his beloved family after a long and courageous battle with cancer. While cancer ultimately claimed his body, his unique sense of humor, captivating stories, generous spirit, and unwavering devotion to his family will endure.
Born in Athens, Ohio, in 1946 to James and Bessie (May) Pickett, David was the youngest of six siblings and, by many accounts, the most mischievous. He grew up in Nelsonville, where he fondly remembered working on the family’s farm and at their dairy restaurant. A graduate of Nelsonville High School in 1964, David excelled as an athlete and earned All-Ohio honors in football. Following Ohio sports teams was a passion for him as each year he still followed the football seasons of Nelsonville-York High School and The Ohio State University. You would often hear him saying the “O-H! I-O!” chant to anyone wearing the Scarlet and Gray symbol. He proudly passed this passion down to his grandchildren who traveled with him to watch the OSU Women’s Ice Hockey Team win the National Championship.
David proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1965 to 1967, attaining the rank of Sergeant, E-5. During the Vietnam War, he fought with courage, was wounded in combat, and received numerous military honors, including the National Defense Service Medal, Bronze Service Star, Combat Infantryman Badge, and Vietnam Campaign Medal. He remained an active member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3467 in Nelsonville, Ohio. He held a deep respect for his fellow veterans, and to the present day, warmly greeted them with the heartfelt words, "Welcome Home."
Following his military service, David attended Ohio University before beginning a distinguished career in telecommunications that spanned more than 40 years with the same company. He managed job sites throughout the country, including projects at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center. He was a valued and well-loved colleague, affectionately known to many of his co-workers as "Pick" and "Dialtone." He was a proud member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) and a steadfast and vocal union supporter.
After a whirlwind courtship, David married the love of his life, Ann Marie Enos, in 1980. Together they shared an unwavering and amazing commitment to their beautiful family. Throughout David's long illness, Ann Marie cared for him with extraordinary strength, compassion, and devotion.
In 1984, David found his greatest joy and purpose in being a dad to his daughter René Marie who was truly the center of his world. There was nothing he loved more than watching her grow, supporting her dreams, and celebrating every milestone by her side. His love for her was constant, unconditional, and evident in every aspect of his life.
His happiness only deepened when he became a grandfather. David embraced his role with boundless enthusiasm, patience, and unconditional love. Some of his most treasured moments were picking up his grandchildren, Jaxson David Thomas and Avianna Mae, from school each day, listening to their stories, and creating lifelong memories through family trips to Disney, Yellowstone, Portugal, and countless hockey tournaments.
David was also a proud and loving uncle to his many nieces and nephews across the country, each of whom held a special place in his heart. He treasured every opportunity to bring his family together, often hosting gatherings in his home where he delighted in cooking his famous steak dinners and taco feasts.
More than the accomplishments of his life, David's greatest legacy is the extraordinary love he gave to those around him. He had a remarkable gift for making people feel seen, valued, and welcomed. Those who held a special place in his heart were often honored with a unique nickname - a simple but meaningful expression of his affection.
David is survived by his beloved wife, Ann Marie Enos Pickett; his daughter, René Rhodes and her husband, David, of Marion; his grandchildren, Jaxson and Avianna Rhodes; his brothers, James Pickett and his wife, MaryAnn, of Spring Valley, California, and Charles Pickett and his wife, Susan, of Aiken, South Carolina; his brothers-in law George Enos, and his wife Karen, Manuel Enos, and his wife Joy, and Ron Enos, and his wife Lois, of Wareham, Massachusetts; as well as several cherished nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Bessie Pickett, and his sisters, Betty Pickett, Carol Frazier, and Shirley Acker.
Visiting hours are from 4 to 7 p.m. on Friday, August 14, 2026, at Chapman Funerals & Cremations – WAREHAM, 2599 Cranberry Hwy., Wareham.
His funeral will be held at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 15, 2026, from the funeral home, followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:00 a.m. in St. Patrick’s Church, 94 High St., Wareham. Burial will be in St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Wareham.
Donations in his memory may be made to Veterans of Foreign Wars providing free lifetime assistance to veterans and helping them file VA claims and receive the resources and benefits they earned through service.
