Martin James Whittaker

M. James Whittaker, 70, of the Sheatown section of Newport Township passed unexpectedly, Wednesday March 4, 2026 in the Emergency Room at Wilkes-Barre General Hospital.

Born December 11, 1955, he was a son of the late W. Kenneth and Veronica Chmielak Whittaker.

Prior to retiring James was employed by the State of Pennsylvania. He worked in the Dietary department at Clark Summit and Retreat State Hospitals.

He enjoyed the great outdoors, hunting, and fishing. A sports fanatic, he followed the New York Yankees and the Jets. He was inseparable from his Beagle, Bella.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Kenneth Whittaker.

Surviving is his wife of 44 years, the former Denise Mack; a daughter, Nicole Whittaker and husband, Edward Ok, Princeton, NJ; his sister, Sandra Whittaker, Nanticoke; as well as nieces, great nieces, and great nephews.

A Blessing Service will be held Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. from the Dinelli Family Funeral Home, 170 E. Broad Street, Nanticoke.

Interment and Rite of Committal will be in St. Adalbert’s Cemetery, Glen Lyon.

Viewing and visitation hours will be Wednesday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the services at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be mad in the name of James Whittaker at the Luzerne County S.P.C.A.