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BORN
1953
DIED
2024
FUNERAL HOME
William Whitwell Obituary
Bill was born December 4, 1953 in Geneva, N.Y. to William D. and Florence Hovey Whitwell.
Bill lived in Geneva for most of his 70 years, living in his childhood home for 63 of those years. Bill operated Graphic Connections for 38 years as a creative and innovative graphic designer. Geneva and the Finger Lakes ran through his blood. He promoted the area, the events, the businesses and organizations with his heart and soul. He was involved in the creation of Seneca Lake Whale Watch, Castle Street Band, Finger Lakes Gypsy Tour, Chameleon Portable Systems and, most recently, EverythingFLX.com
He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Nancy Flynn Whitwell; their two sons, his pride and joy, William Davenport Whitwell III of Newport Beach, CA and Robert Cornelius Whitwell of Geneva; his sister, Bonnie McCarthy of Richmond, NH; sisters and brothers-in-law, Ann (Steve) Wright, Meg (Lenny) Cecere, Michael (Susan) Flynn and Tom (Claire) Flynn; several cousins, nieces and nephews.
He is also survived by his Villa brothers, Jim Beardsley, John Bero, Fred Bertram, Ray Cook, Paul Davis, Reed Grapensteter, Bob Hamm, Mark Jones, Rick Kalbfleisch, Rick MacIntyre, Mike Peters, Kevin Smith and Bill Wilsey; and very special brother, Ted Nguyen.
He was predeceased by his parents and in-laws, Kay and Neil Flynn; sister-in-law, Patti Flynn Seelbach; and brother-in-law, Rick McCarthy.
Calling hours will be held on Friday,(March 1), from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at DeVaney - Bennett Funeral Home, 181 N. Main St. Geneva, N.Y. Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, (March 2), at 10 a.m. at St. Stephen's Roman Catholic Church, 48 Pulteney St., Geneva, N.Y.
Donations can be made in Bill's memory to Thrive to Survive, PO Box 1146, Geneva, N.Y. 14456.
For those wishing to write a note of condolence to the family, please visit www.devaneybennettfh.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Whitwell
Sponsored by DeVaney-Bennett Funeral Home.
4 Entries
Richard Herendeen
March 31, 2024
Nancy, So sorry for you loss as I just found out yesterday. Over the years that you & Bill were very helpful with our Twin Cities {Shortsville- Manchester} Lions Club Basketball Tournament. Bill would always come up with a Holiday Theme to put on the T-shirts that we provided for the teams. They were all great & I still have & wear many of those T-shirts. A long time member of the Lions Club Stu Gwilt who introduced me to you when I took over chairing the tournament passed away last summer also. Again so sorry to you & your family for your loss. Rich Herendeen & The Twin Cities Lions Club
Cathy Hurley-Shane
March 3, 2024
Nancy and boys, I was so sorry to hear of Bill passing. Hold the memories and good times close to help you through your grief.
Chris and Pam Jennings and the Hopke nation
February 28, 2024
To the Whitwell family,
We mourn the loss of Bill who we had recently seen at Torrey Park on one of their infamous Monday nights. Bill and Nancy were the first people Pam and later I met when we moved to Geneva in 1984, having been introduced by Margie Wykoff, making them our longest known friends in Geneva. We will miss his smile, his wit, and his friendship. Bill was an "avid idea person" always thinking of the next thing and unlike others bringing those ideas to bear. He was kind and generous and willing to go out of his way to get things done. The years of the Gypsy Tour and of our times during the Whale Watch are memories we will always cherish. Chris and Pam Jennings
Another group of people that Bill was involved with and a big supporter of is The Hopke Cup. Whether he was making signs, posters, or other accoutrements to enhance the experience for others Bill was graciously giving of his time and talents. He joins Dan Warder, Jay Humphrey, Dick Tracy, Scott Bissell, Dr. Steve Sheppard, and others in the great beyond. From all of the Hopke nation still here we toast to our friend Bill; rest in peace dear friend.
Ed L.
February 26, 2024
A fellow well met. Always added good cheer to any event he was associated with. He'll be missed by his family and his many friends. If there is music in the afterlife, Bill will have his guitar at the ready.
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DeVaney-Bennett Funeral Home181 North Main Street, Geneva, NY 14456
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