Born in Hartford to W.M. Whitney and Helen (Fraser) Whitney but raised and educated in Providence, RI. He leaves behind his wife, Susan, and their four children: Scott – MA; Andrea (Adam Forgash) – NY; Jason (Leslie) – NH; John-David – Moneta, and four grandchildren.
John graduated from Brown University with a BA in Economics and served in the National Guard. John worked with computers his whole career, retiring as VP of satellite communications for Nautica.
After retiring to Smith Mountain Lake, he volunteered as the Treasurer for the Home Tour for four years and baked his own cookies for the coffee cart at Bedford Memorial Hospital as a volunteer.
John was a life-long member of the Methodist Church, often serving as chair of their finance committees, head chef, and making peanuts with the men at Bethlehem UMC. His passion was leading tours for 15 years at the Bedford D-Day Memorial and talking with veterans and their families.
A celebration of his life will be held on Sunday, June 4 at 1:00 p.m. at Bethlehem UMC in Moneta, followed by a reception in the Fellowship Hall. Donations in John’s memory may be made to the music program at Bethlehem UMC, PO Box 458, Moneta, VA 24121. with “Organ Fund” on the memo line.
Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Bedford, is assisting the family.