William L. Whitby Jr.

of Fitchburg, Vietnam War vet; 66

FITCHBURG -- William L. Whitby, Jr., 66, of Fitchburg, formerly of Marlborough, died Thursday, January 14, at River Terrace, after an illness.

He was born January 31, 1943, in Boston, son of the late William L. and Mary T. (O'Meara) Whitby.

Mr. Whitby grew up in Leominster, and graduated from Saint Bernard's Central Catholic High School in Fitchburg.

He served in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War earning the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award and Good Conduct Medal.

He worked for Digital Equipment
Corporation in the Westminster, Maynard, Westford, and Marlborough branches for 26 years before his retirement in 1998.

Mr. Whitby was an avid golfer and was a member of the Marlborough Country Club where he shot a hole in one in hole 5. He was also a member of the Gardner VFW Post 905. He enjoyed reading, especially news-papers, and bowling.

His wife, Doris M. (Stacy) Whitby, died July 3, 2008. He was also predeceased by his sister, Joan Settles in 2002.

He leaves his sister, Ellie Boutotte and her husband Barry of Fitchburg; three nephews, Geoff Settles of Tucson, AZ, Jim Thibault and David Thibault-Munoz, both of Fitchburg; one niece, Debi Detraz of Hebron, KY; three great nieces, one great nephew; several cousins.

WHITBY -- The funeral will be held Tuesday, Jan-uary 19, from Brandon Funeral Home, 305 Wanoosnoc Rd., Fitchburg, with a Mass at 11:00 A.M. at Saint Cecilia's Church, 180 Mechanic St., Leominster. Burial is in Saint Cecilia's Cemetery. A calling hour will precede the funeral Tuesday, Jan. 19, from 9:30 to 10:30 A.M. in the funeral home.