Obituary of Walter H Whittaker

Walter H. Whittaker, 94, of Utica Street, passed away Wednesday, November 6, 2013 at the Martin Luther Nursing Home. He was born in Clark Mills on February 2, 1919, the son of the late John and Catherine Brown Whittaker. He served his country in the US Navy during World War II and was a recipient of the Purple Heart. He was a self-employed truck driver for many years and also worked for the Town of Kirkland. He was married to Laverne Houck in 1947 until her death in 1968. On February 7, 1970, he was united in marriage to Louise B. Sychtysz. For 18 years, the couple wintered in Zephyrhills, FL. Walter was a lifetime member of the VFW Post #9591 and the Disabled American Veterans and was a member of the American Legion Post #233 in Clinton. Walt loved to golf and got a hole-in-one in Florida. He loved working with his hands and made many bird houses for the Kirkland Town Park and local golf courses. He was also a NY Yankees fan. He is survived by his wife, Louise; his nieces and nephews, Sandra and Fred Cole of Whitesboro, Barbara Murphy of Utica, Cathy and Pat Chiricosta of Utica, Janice and Donald Kane of Utica, Judy Martin of New Hartford, Thomas "Tom" Martin of Cedarville and his partner Art Doremus, Robert "Bob" and Beth Martin of Deerfield, Nancy and Daryl Shaw of Clinton and Lois and Alfred Remington of Clinton; several cousins and in-laws. He was predeceased by his sisters and brothers-in-law, Sylvia M. Andrews, Leslie Hammond, Hartwell Andrews, Eleanor E. Martin and Chester Martin. Funeral services will be held at 10am on Monday, November 11, 2013 at Owens-Pavlot & Rogers Funeral Service, Inc, 35 College St., Clinton. All are invited to call Sunday from 2-5pm. Burial will be in St. Stanislaus-St. Casimir Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to St. Mark's Episcopal Church in Clark Mills or a charity of your choice. The family thanks Dr. Roger Moore, Dr. V. Kandiah and the staff of the Gordon Unit at the Katherine Luther Home for their help and compassion during this difficult time.