Jonathan Lacey Whipple

1985 - 2023

Jonathan Lacey Whipple, 37, son of Karen and the late John Whipple, passed peacefully at his home in St. Petersburg, Fla., on Thursday, March 16, 2023.

He was born April 1, 1985, in Leesburg, Va. Formerly a resident of Swoyersville, he was a 2003 graduate of Wyoming Valley West High School and a 2011 graduate of the Academy of Design and Technology with a degree in music production.

Jon had an inquisitive mind and developed many passions in life. He was known for his love of music, he was one of those rare individuals who could pick up any instrument and be able to play them. And play them he did - saxophone, baritone saxophone, trombone, guitar and piano. As he became proficient in instruments, he also branched out into composing and audio engineering, a pastime that remained a constant in his life.

He had a keen interest in the sciences, including astronomy and atmospheric weather phenomenon, and a profound respect for history. Jon was an enthusiastic member of the Civil Air Patrol and loved World War II history and memorabilia.

After graduation, Jon became interested in the culinary arts. He worked as a sous chef in several local restaurants as well as many in the Tampa area. He was known by his friends for his 1985 Volkswagen "hippie van" that he refurbished and his constant companion of 17 years, Nola, a Carolina dog. He spent his recent years traveling and hiking with Nola and friends, sharing his dedication and passion with a new community. Although his time with us was not long enough, Jon's greatest legacy lies in the way he made people feel. He was a man who loved to learn, and found joy in sharing that knowledge with others, and people often found themselves better off for having known him.

Jon loved many people in his life and will be sorely missed by all: his mother, Karen; sisters, Samantha Whipple and Genel Whipple Depuysselier; partner, Erin Peterson; daughter, Chrystine Locascio; and son, Julian Whipple. He is wished a peaceful rest by his aunts, uncles and cousins: Tom and Pauline Whipple; Sue and Ken Hopkins, Josh and Kerie Hopkins, Sarah Hopkins; Alan Shiplett and his son Alan Shiplett Jr; Bruce Shiplett; Tim and Tracey Shiplett and their children Emily, Lauren and Matthew; Jennifer and Eric Murphy.

Jon now joins his father, John Whipple; paternal grandparents, Lester and Genevieve Whipple; maternal grandparents, Herman and Joyce Shiplett; uncle, Steve Shiplett; and his beloved Nola.

Rest in peace, gentle soul. Your journey is complete.

Family and friends are invited to Church of Christ Uniting, 190 S. Sprague Ave., Kingston, from 12:30 to 2 p.m. Saturday. Memorial service will start at 2 p.m., with the Rev. Jane Pykus, officiating. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Hugh B. Hughes & Son Inc. Funeral Home, Forty Fort.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to SavetheMusic.org, SavingCarolinaDogs.com, RailstoTrails.org, or to a charity of your choice.

For information or to send the family a condolence, visit www.hughbhughes.com.