John Whitmore

1925 - 2013

John Whitmore of Middle Haddam died peacefully on September 21 at Cobalt Lodge, after a brief illness. He was born in Middletown in 1925 and was a lifelong resident of Middlesex County. John and his wife Doris lived in Haddam for over 50 years before moving to Middle Haddam.
John served in the U.S. Army during World War II, where he was stationed in Germany. After the War, he joined his father Chauncey, and grandfather George, at The George G. Whitmore Company, the family's antique furniture business in Middletown. John was later joined at the Whitmore Company by his daughter, Beryl Whitmore Thorpe, who worked with him for over 30 years. While John followed his father and grandfather as owner and President of the Whitmore Company, he was happiest in the back of the shop, handling the design and building elements of the business, as well as the restoration of important antiques. John was a longtime member of the Haddam Historical Society, where he took an active role in the restoration and stewardship of the Thankful Arnold House, next door to his Walkley Hill Road home in Haddam. He was a Director of the Old Burial Ground in Haddam and a director of the Field Park Association.
John was well-loved for his quiet demeanor and dry sense of humor. He was a lifelong gardener, and had many pets (both dogs and cats) throughout his life. John loved food, whether local fruit and vegetables, imported cheese, pastries, or ice cream. He possessed a strong talent for knowing the first line of a quantity of obscure songs.
John is survived by his wife, Doris, of Haddam, CT. He is also survived by his daughter, Beryl and her husband, Henry Thorpe of Middle Haddam, his granddaughters Courtney Thorpe and Brooke Thorpe, of Brooklyn, NY, as well as Courtney's husband Kacper Walicki, and Brooke's fiancé, Daniel Filson.
A memorial service will be scheduled at a later date. Anyone wishing to acknowledge John Whitmore's gifts to his community may send a contribution to the Middle Haddam Public Library, Knowles Rd. Middle Haddam, CT 06456.