Paul W. Whitney

Paul W. Whitney Athol – Paul W. Whitney, 96, died peacefully Sunday, February 12, 2012 at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Worcester.      Paul was born in Athol, April 11, 1915, the son of Rufus E. and Mary B. (Goodell) Whitney.  After graduating from Athol High School, he joined the Navy serving as a gunner’s mate aboard the U.S.S. Tingey and the U.S.S. Caseade.       He worked at the L.S. Starrett Company, Torrington Tool and the Rodney Hunt Company as a laboratory technician.        For many years he was a pilot and member of the Athol-Orange Aero Club at the Orange Airport. He was a member of the Starrett Memorial United Methodist Church and most recently found joy and fellowship with the prayer group.  An enthusiastic bird watcher, he was a founding member of the Athol Bird and Nature Club.  Having been a town meeting representative for many years, he also found time for Disabled American Veterans, Star-Athol Lodge of Masons A.F. & A.M. and the Athol Rod and Gun Club.  Hunting, fishing, gardening, camping and traveling to 49 states brought him great pleasure.      He leaves his wife of 63 years, Sara A. (Eshleman) Whitney. He also leaves his daughter, Sylvia Wetherby and her husband Tom of Wendell, his granddaughters, Anna Wetherby of Wendell and Gretchen Wetherby and her husband George Gajda of Millers Falls. He was predeceased by seven sisters and four brothers, and enjoyed visiting and corresponding with his many nieces and nephews.        A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, February 25, 2012 at 11:00 A.M. at Starrett Memorial United Methodist Church, 40 Island Street, Athol with the Rev. Adam Randazzo, pastor officiating.  In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials in Paul’s memory be made to: the Starrett Memorial United Methodist Church Living Memorial Fund, 40 Island St., Athol, MA  01331 or the American Heart Association, 20 Speen Street, Framingham, MA  01701-4688. Higgins-O’Connor Funeral Home, 146 Main Street, Athol is directing arrangements.  For further information or to share a memory with the family go to: www.higginsoconnorfuneralhome.com. $(document).ready(function(){ });