Eric Whisenhunt was a friend, father, husband, and much more to many. A dedicated and passionate leader of CCA’s Greater Washington Chapter. Eric showed up without fail and with enthusiasm for making a difference. He served as a chapter president, board member, and executive committee member throughout his time volunteering for the organization and I cannot think of a time I ever heard him say no. Always ready to roll up his sleeves and support our work, Eric will be missed by the CCA community, and remembered for his can do attitude and selfless service to others. Eric’s beautiful family and conservation legacy will live on into the future through our work at CCA Maryland, and if I have my way, we’re building him a reef!
Regards,
David Sikorski
A memorial service will be held at Bradley Hills Presbyterian Church, 6601 Bradley Blvd, Bethesda, MD on Sunday, January 11th at 2:30p. Live stream is available https://www.bradleyhillschurch.org/watch/. In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations in Eric’s honor to the Coastal Conservation Association of Maryland (CCA MD). https://www.ccamd.org/donate/
Eric Stephen Whisenhunt Obituary
In Loving Memory of Eric Stephen Whisenhunt
August 31, 1963 – January 2, 2026
Eric Stephen Whisenhunt, 62, passed away peacefully at his home in Bethesda, Maryland, on January 2, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Washington, D.C., Eric lived a life full of purpose, humor, and connection.
A Life Well Lived
Eric graduated from Walt Whitman High School and earned his degree from the University of Missouri School of Journalism in 1985. His early career as a journalist took him to Grand Rapids, Michigan, and Washington, D.C., where he pursued his passion for storytelling. Later, Eric joined his brother Mark at Computer Showcase, an IT company they built together into a successful local business, helping organizations manage their technology needs.
Passion for the Outdoors
An avid outdoorsman, Eric loved hiking, skiing, boating, fishing, and championing conservation efforts. He served as past president of the Coastal Conservation Association of Maryland, Greater Washington Chapter, reflecting his deep commitment to preserving natural resources.
Family and Community
In 2003, Eric met the love of his life, Lisa Panasiti. Together, they built a home filled with laughter and community, especially after welcoming their twin sons, Wyatt and Walker. Eric was a devoted father, serving as Cubmaster, PTA President, and cheering from the sidelines at countless games. His faith was central to his life, and he served as a lay leader in his church. Weekends were often spent at the family cottage on the Severn River and the mountain cabin in Boone, NC, where Eric’s love for the outdoors continued to flourish.
Strength and Grace
In recent years, Eric faced significant health challenges with courage and grace, never losing his trademark sense of humor or his ability to nurture deep relationships with lifelong friends, extended family, and a close-knit community that provided unwavering support.
Family
Eric is survived by his beloved wife, Lisa Panasiti Whisenhunt; their twin sons, Wyatt and Walker; his brother Mark and sister-in-law Kathleen; his twin sister Emily; his sister-in-law Gretchen (Panasiti) Capps and brother-in-law Mike Capps; his in-laws Peg and Bill Panasiti; and his cherished nieces and nephews. The family is deeply grateful to Eric’s caregivers, Aurgie Dagle, Flair Olarte, and Leila Palma, for their compassion and dedication. Eric was preceded in death by his parents Ann and Fred Whisenhunt.
Celebration of Life
A memorial service will be held at Bradley Hills Presbyterian Church, 6601 Bradley Blvd, Bethesda, MD on Sunday, January 11th at 2:30p. Live stream is available https://www.bradleyhillschurch.org/watch/. In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations in Eric’s honor to the Coastal Conservation Association of Maryland (CCA MD). https://www.ccamd.org/donate/
