Michael Patrick Whitton

Greenfield Center, NY - Michael Patrick Whitton passed away October 6, 2021 in Saratoga Hospital after a brave and courageous battle with cancer. Randy, Mike’s husband & partner of 19 years was able to be with him at his bedside. Mike was born February 3, 1969 in Utica, NY, to his mother Gloria Gassner Whitton Vebber and his father, the late Irving James Whitton. Mike grew up in Sauquoit, a rural community outside of Utica, and was the youngest of four children. His happy childhood was full and active with his siblings, his Mom and Dad, and cousins nearby. One of Mike’s happiest memories is of time spent at Fish Creek Pond in the Adirondacks camping with his family each summer, a Whitton family tradition still. Mike was a cub scout and a boy scout. Mike was well known in the community for his paper route. He delivered papers starting at ten years old and worked for many years saving money for college. As a teenager Mike was invited to participate in the prestigious Boy’s State and was always an honor roll student at Sauquoit Valley High School. He played a variety of sports including cross country and he was on the golf team. Mike attended college at Oswego State University with a degree in physics. After meeting Randy, he started working at their restaurant in Schuylerville, NY and discovered a new talent that he had in marketing. Mike created a restaurant website and handled all of the updates, brochures and advertising. Mike and Randy retired early in 2012 which allowed them to spend a lot more time together and with their families. Mike took pleasure in, and was instrumental in helping plan restoration projects to their home each year. A lot of Mike’s happiest moments were just being home together with no one else around. Another favorite time together was on their summer vacation each year to Cape Cod and also their weekend trip each summer to Fish Creek Pond to visit Mike’s family at the campground. Mike had a deep connection and love for nature and animals. His mother and a family friend reminisce that as a little boy, when playing in the woods, Mike would often emerge gently holding a small bird or other animal that had come to him, and caring for it. Mike had a gentle and quiet way about him, and we learned that he also had more strength and courage than could be imagined. Mike had a unique and incredible deep inner kindness and love that showed through every day in his beautiful smile. He added so much love to our world. Mike is predeceased by his father, I. James Whitton and Uncle John Whitton of Burnt Hills, NY. He is survived by his loving husband of 19 years, Randy Crocker, His mother, Gloria Gassner Whitton Vebber, (Mark) of Birmingham, AL, He is also survived by his two sisters and two sisters-in-law. Cheryl Whitton, (Skip Collins) of Ballston Spa, NY, Kimberly Whitton McAlonen, (Tim), of Burnt Hills, NY, Carol Crocker, of Schenectady, NY, Candace Crocker Warren, (George), of Bethel, CT, His brother Scott Whitton, (Juanita) of Westmoreland, NY, His Aunt Jean Whitton Driskell, (Ken), of Chadwicks, NY, Pat Moran, (Godfather) of Sauquoit, NY, Aunt Janet Whitton Aiken, (Jeff) of Virginia Beach,VA, Aunt Nathalie Whitton, of Burnt Hills, NY, Uncle Rick Gassner, (Debbie) of Utica, NY, Uncle Dave Gassner, (Shirley) of Florida, Aunt and Godmother, Andrea Gassner Daley, (Bill) of Troy, NY, Aunt Claudia Gassner Hartz, (Garry McVoy) of Clinton, NY. Four nieces and seven nephews, Megan, (Jay) Mills of Kailua, Hawaii and their baby daughter Evelyn, Mike’s new grandniece. Katie Brockway of Burnt Hills, NY, and Tessa Berryman of Schenectady, NY. Tom Brockway, (Laiken) of Ballston Spa, NY, Nicholas Whitton, (Kayla), of Westmoreland, NY, Ryan Whitton of Westmoreland, NY, Daniel Warren, (Katelynn) of Palm Bay FL, Jacob Warren of Bethel, CT, Carter Girasa, of Schenectady, NY, Sterling Warren of CT, and Zurina Warren of CT. Sixteen cousins, Rhonda Moran of Chadwicks, NY, Colleen Moran Manzella of Allentown, PA, Patrick Moran, (Christine), of Richmond, VA, Patrick Whitton of Burnt Hills, NY, Chantal, (Cody), Smith of Burnt Hills, NY, Bridgette Whitbeck Brown, (Aaron), of Richmond, VA, Jennifer Whitbeck Hinton, (Joseph) of Peachtree City, GA, Rebecca Whitbeck Laffkas, (Ty) of Virginia Beach, VA, Richard Hartz Jr., (Andie) of Utica, NY, Renee Hartz, (Joanna Fountain Hartz) of Gloucester, MA, Bill Daley Jr., (Theresa), Dennis Daley, Mark Daley, (Jennifer) Michelle Daley-Otten, (Charles), Brian Daley, Tim Daley. Relatives and friends may call from 4-7pm on Friday, October 15 at William J. Burke & Sons Funeral Home, 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY. There will be a service of Holy Communion held at Bethesda Episcopal Church at 2pm the following day, Saturday, October 16. All guests are invited to attend a reception immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers donations can be made in Mike’s name to: Become a Donor to Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park https://www.wiltonpreserve.org/how-you-can-help/wilton-wildlife-preserveOnline remembrances may be made at www.burkefuenralhome.com. https://www.lastingmemories.com/michael-patrick-whitton