Roy Whitman

1919 - 2015

Roy Whitman obituary, 1919-2015, Rutland, MA

BORN

1919

DIED

2015

Roy Whitman Obituary

Roy J. Whitman

1919 - 2015 WEST CASTLETON, VT Roy J. Whitman died on July 26th, 2015. Born on June 23, 1919, he was the son of Frank and Agnes Toomey Whitman, and was one of their six children who grew up in Bennington, VT. As a boy, Roy enjoyed fishing and athletics. Later, he became an outstanding lineman on the Bennington High School football team. While in high school, his enterprising skills began to show as he worked part time at Lehman's Furniture Store as a salesman, and at the BenMont Paper Company as a design detailer. Soon after high school, Roy entered General Electric as a tool maker, commuting to Pittsfield, MA each day as he learned this craft. Always an upbeat type of person he befriended many at G.E. while becoming a master at his work. In his life several great things happened, and a special one was meeting a young school teacher in Bennington who was Mary Agnes Larkin from West Casteton, VT. Their friendship led to marriage on July 25, 1942 at St. Matthew's Church in West Castleton, VT. In 1950 he entered the real estate field. To provide insurance policies for his real estate clients, Roy enrolled in education courses and became a home and auto insurance representative, thus forming the Roy J. Whitman Real Estate Insurance Agency. His success in this field was directly related to his honest and reliable service. Indeed, many families found wonderful homes through his tireless efforts. Roy and his wife, Mary Agnes, embraced family life as they raised three children and became active in community affairs. He served as chairman of the St. Mary's Parish Council, was president of the Berkshire County Board of Realtors, served on the Pittsfield Zoning Board of Appeals, and coached Little League Baseball. He followed the lives of his players for many years, and to this day his players remember him. In 1965 he closed his agency and with his broad experience in real estate financing became a mortgage loan officer at the Pittsfield Cooperative Bank. He served as branch manager of the Dalton Branch and later as vice president of the Pittsfield office. An impeccable dresser, many of his business peers thought he was a Dartmouth graduate, he never said otherwise. Roy retired in 1986 and with his wife, moved to West Castleton, VT. There they purchased and refurbished Mary Agnes' homestead, the J. P. Larkin Old Colonial. He very much enjoyed maintaining this old house and its grounds. Here he started many more friendships, served on the parish council at Our Lady of Seven Dolors church, and worked at the Food Bank. A tremendous Red Sox fan, he always enjoyed play by play on radio. To him the 1967 Incredible Dream was the most thrilling season ever even though the Sox went on to win three World Series. Golfing, fishing, hunting, and bridge playing were some of his interests, but ballroom dancing with his wife to the sounds of Big Band was most special. In fact, together they received many accolades for their Foxtrot and Waltz dance styles. In 2000, the love of his life, Mary Agnes died. Although this was a huge loss he kept a positive outlook and applied his knowledge of the Big Band as he became a DJ at radio station WVNR. For many years the Roy Whitman Big Band show could be heard each week throughout Southern and Central VT and Eastern New York. In addition to his weekly show, he could be listened to each day on the morning talk and news show with Bob Bascom and Judy Leech. His sharp wit, humor, and storytelling talents entertained thousands from 6 to 9 a.m. Affectionately known on radio as "Cowboy Roy", at 93, failing eyesight and poor mobility made it difficult to perform. So, on a Sunday afternoon he signed off announcing he had another assignment. His grandchildren knew him as "Poppy Roy", a name that became synonymous with a man who was known for his kindness, compassion, and care, not only to his grandchildren, and their children, but to people throughout his beloved communities. While a patient at Bayada Home Care and Mountain View Health Care facility, once again he became a friend to many, including his medical care providers. The care he received is deeply appreciated by his family. Roy is survived by his daughters, Patricia Johnson (John) Duxbury, MA, Jeanne White (Michael) Duxbury, MA, and son, James (Bunny) of Dalton, MA, and his brother, Tom of Dorset, VT; also his grandchildren, Jennifer Southworth, Courtney Laporte (Shawn), Christopher Johnson, Deirdre Comisar (David), Timothy (Mandy), Patrick (Michaela), Joseph, Michael, and Jimmy (Katie) Whitman, and 14 great-grandchildren. He is predeceased by his wife Mary Agnes and their son, Joseph as well as his brothers, Leon and Bill, and his sisters, Peg and Martha and a great-granddaughter Kathryn B. Whitman. Roy and his wife were very much a part of the greatest generation. They are missed by so many. SERVICES: Gathering of friends and family will be Friday, July 31 from 4 to 7 pm at St. Matthew's Church in Castleton, VT. A funeral mass celebrating Roy's life will be Saturday, August 1 at 11am at Our Lady of Seven Dolors Church on Washington Street, Fair Haven, VT. Memorial donations can be made to the Castleton Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 72, Castleton, VT 05735, or Volunteers in Medicine, 777 Main Street, Suite 4, Great Barrington, MA 01230.

Published by Bennington Banner on Jul. 30, 2015.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Roy Whitman

Sponsored by BenningtonBanner.com.

Not sure what to say?





To the Whitman family, I am so sorry for your loss my prayers are with you all. I will always remember Roy and the closeness of your family. I enjoyed knowing all of you when I worked for Bayada. God Bless. Bonnie

Bonnie Alberico

August 8, 2015

So sorry for your loss. My prayers are with his family

Diana Turner

August 2, 2015

Very sorry to hear of Roy s passing. I will always remember his entertaining stories and quick wit. Until we meet again may he rest in peace and love.

Kathy Flynn

August 2, 2015

Dear Jim, Bunny, Trish, Jeanne, Patrick, and family,
We are very saddened at the loss of our dear friend and neighbor. Roy always made us smile and we were blessed to have had him in our lives.

Karen and Bill Deets

August 1, 2015

A wonderful man - one-of-a-kind and a great role model. Very sorry to hear the news - sympathies and best wishes to the family.

Brian Verminski

July 31, 2015

Dear Jim, Bunny and family--We are saddened by the loss of Roy, but grateful that we have been blessed along the way, with his presence. While his loss leaves a void in all of our lives, we have all experienced his positive influence, which shall live on. Frank Pensabene & Caroline Nickerson (Albany, NY...and Moscow Rd)

July 31, 2015

Dear Jeanne, Pat,Jim so sorry for the loss of this wonderful man I'm thankful I was able to care for him Tuesday an Thursday nights an take him to church on Sunday.He was so much fun an he always talked about his kids an grandchildren he loved so much ,we had a great time together an you all made me feel very welcomed the very first time I came.I couldn't have asked for a better client then Roy,always pleasant an jokes to be told ...always a "see ya later Jonesey "would always make me smile....Thank you for the conversation an the laughes Roy you were one of the best! Love ,Jonesey (Brenda )

Brenda Jones

July 31, 2015

Jimmy and Bunny we are so sorry to here about the loss of your father. He was an amazing man that just kept making friends his entire life. I still remember our daily trips to school in his 1957 Chevy hard top. He always had a smile and a kind word for us all.

Jerry and Pat Sokop

July 30, 2015

Poppy Roy has all been a very intelligent and humorous man, from spending days at the cottage during July or a weekend at the lake during the Pig Roast, I have learned the history of the compound, and the importance of family and friends from Roy.
Going to miss you Poppy Roy ❤

Austin White

July 30, 2015

Dear Jim and family , sorry for your loss. you are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

Sean and Sandy O'Donnell

July 30, 2015

I always enjoyed chatting with Roy when I was up in Vermont. He truly had a life well lived. He will be remembered fondly.

Mike Drummond

July 30, 2015

Dear Jimmy and family. I was so sorry to read of the loss of your dad. I remember living near you on Victory Hill in the early 50's and playing at your house a lot. Your mom and dad loved seeing all the kids having fun running in one door and out the other , over and over . You were blessed to have such great parents ! Be happy that they are together at last . "Reenee"

Maureen Woodburn

July 30, 2015

Dear Jeanne and Family,
What a wonderful man and what a wonderful legacy!
We are blessed to have known him. Our hearts and thoughts will be with you as you lay your Dad to rest. We will remember him with a smile.
Love, Paul and Lori Hayes

July 30, 2015

Jim, Bunny, & Family - we are so very sorry for your loss. It sounds like your father was a wonderful man. Hold tight to those memories and know that he will always be with you.

Sincerely,
Ellen & Anthony Lattizzori

July 30, 2015

I did not know Roy but in my daily ritual of checking the local obituaries, I was pulled in by his story. He sounds like an amazing man who lived a fulfilling life and touched many people in a positive way. May god be with you all during this difficult time.

July 30, 2015

I listened to Roy on the radio every morning. He always made me smile and laugh which is a wonderful way to start the day. After listening to him talk about his family I felt as if I knew them. He loved talking about your visit to the compound. He loved you all. Roy will be greatly missed. Wonderful man. My sincere condolences.

suzanne wayne

July 30, 2015

Sincere condolences to Roy's family. He was a great teddy bear of a guy, and will be missed by many!

Kathy Hutson

July 30, 2015

Sending my sympathy to the family will miss hearing him on the Radio

April Stewart

July 30, 2015

To the loving family of Roy~

First of all, that was one of the most beautifully written obituaries we have ever read and brought tears to our eyes! Roy will always have a very special place in our hearts and he will truly be missed. We will continue to call Dogwood Drive DogPatch, as Roy always said! He was such an amazing man full of life who could always bring a smile to our faces. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his amazing family during this sad time.

With Love~
Lisbeth Padula (AKA "Italy" according to Roy) and Sarah Neff

Lis & Sarah

July 30, 2015

Roy - I light this candle for you to have light in your after life. My sympathies to Jeanne, Pat and family. It was my pleasure getting to know Roy and you girls while I worked at MVC. He was a GREAT man and always was my highlight of the day. R.I.P. my friend.
Hugs,

Jean(former receptionist @ MVC) Rheaume

July 30, 2015

I already miss talking with Roy while visiting at Mt. View weekly. Sorry for your loss, my thoughts and prayers are with you all. Anne Arquette Felber

Anne Arquette Felber

July 29, 2015

Wishing the Whitman family much comfort in the days ahead.
( 1 Thessalonians 4:14)

~D.Reynolds

July 29, 2015

To the Whitman family & Vermont friends,
Richard & I extend our deepest condolences to all on Roy's passing. He will forever be in our thoughts &
prayers. We will treasure our fond memories of Roy & the lake house

Pat & Richard Ferguson

July 28, 2015

Our deepest sympathies and prayers to your family.
Love Joe and Caroline Laramie

July 28, 2015

I always enjoyed listening to Roy host the big band show on WVNR. His personal stories and recollections of that era made the show unique.

Thank you for all of your service.

Bob (a radio listener)

July 28, 2015

So sorry for your loss

Sue Doran

July 27, 2015

Roy was one of a kind. Always enjoyed him , Bob and Judy on WVNR. May he rest in peace.

Pete Turner

July 27, 2015

We're sorry for your loss. Roy always had a special place in our studios, our hearts, and the hearts of our listeners. He was a wonderful co-host - always ready with a joke or a comment, a reminder of the past, or a dig at "you youngsters". He was and always will be missed.

Judy Leech

July 27, 2015

We are very sorry for your loss. We have enjoyed caring and getting to know Roy during his stay. He will be greatly missed.
The Staff at Mountain View Center

July 27, 2015

Showing 1 - 29 of 29 results

Make a Donation
in Roy Whitman's name

Memorial Events
for Roy Whitman

Jul

31

Visitation

4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

St. Matthew's Church

Castleton, VT

Aug

1

Funeral Mass

11:00 a.m.

Our Lady of Seven Dolors Church

Washington Street, Fair Haven, VT

How to support Roy's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Roy Whitman's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more