Donald J. Whitman

1939 - 2025

Donald J. Whitman, 85 of Hancock Massachusetts departed this earth on May 14, 2025 after a brief illness. He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Judy (Dunlevy) and daughters Kathy (Don Bouchard) and Donna and many nieces, nephews and cherished friends.

Don met his life partner Judy at Pittsfield High School, class of 1957 and they were married in 1960. A welder by trade, he worked for ED Jones and AIM Farm Machinery before starting Green Valley Equipment, his own sales and repair business out of his garage in 1968. Initially partnering with close friend Art Rodda and later Mel Feathers before he continued the business on his own until his retirement in 2020. Don actually never fully retired and with the help of Dave Rash, continued to work on tractors and other equipment for friends and local farmers. He was well known throughout the area as the person to call for old New Holland baler parts or a problem no one could seem to resolve. He loved a challenge and could fix just about anything and continued until his passing.

Don was an active member of the Hancock Volunteer Fire Department and continued to participate in department activities. He actually restored the town's first fire truck, a 1925 Dodge Bros., that he intended to donate back to the fire dept.

He had a passion for antique tractors and classic cars, restoring many and participating in car shows and cruise nights. He enjoyed many activities especially "Junkin" for scrap yard parts and hidden gems, originally with the car club and most recently his partner in crime, Kirk.

Don never met a stranger and would stop to help anyone that asked. The town and extended community meant the world to him and the highlight of his day was when visitors would stop in the stop to see what project he was knee deep in. His favorite day of the week was Tuesday as he hosted what was became known as "Don's Coffee Hour" which grew over the years and that the family is committed to continue in his memory.

A life long resident of Hancock, Don was preceded in death by his parents, Perry A. and Ruth Whitman and his six siblings, Perry G., Hollis, Lawrence and Robert Whitman, Emma Blair and Marjorie Southard.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Don's life on Sunday, June 8th from 2-5 pm at Bloom Meadows, 2422 Hancock Road, Hancock (Williamstown), MA.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Hancock Volunteer Fire Dept., PO Box 1149, Hancock, MA 01237 or to the charity of one's choice.

Arrangements are by the Hall & Higgins Funeral Home in Stephentown, NY. Condolence book at ParkerBrosMemorial.com.