THOMAS J. WHITTAKER Sr.

Thomas J. Whittaker, Sr. of Putnam Valley, NY died peacefully at Peninsula Regional Hospital, Salisbury, MD on Friday, September 26, 2008. Born in New Jersey on July 24, 1924 to Thomas Whittaker and Cecilia Whalen, Mr. Whittaker grew up in East Rockaway, Long Island. After high school, he attended the Fagan Dramatic School of Drama and Radio, obtaining a commercial radio license. He then became a technical flight operator for Pan Am's Florida Far East Flights. Naval wartime services included radar operations and USO broadcasts. He worked as a newscaster for WFAS in Hartsdale, NY as well as CBS, NYC under the pseudonym of Roy Andres. He was married to Patricia Hanlon of Putnam Valley, NY, who died in May, 2000. His hobbies include: piano, painting, writing, photography, wood working, camping and sailing. Mr. Whittaker is survived by seven children: Christine Richmond of Binghamton, NY, Thomas Whittaker, Jr. of Croton-on-Hudson, NY. Cathy Stubbs of Lagrangeville, NY, Kevin Whittaker of Putnam Valley, NY, Brian Whittaker of Putnam Valley, NY, Cecilia Whittaker-Doe of Brooklyn, NY and Celeste Whittaker of Peekskill, NY. He is also survived by nineteen grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren, and by his brothers Ricky Saur of Buffalo, NY and Richard Whittaker of Virginia. The family will receive friends on Thursday, October 2, 2008 from 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the HERITAGE FUNERAL HOME, Morrissey Drive, Putnam Valley. A committal service will be held on Friday at 11 AM at the Tompkins Corners Cemetery.