John Robert Whiting

John Robert Whiting died unexpectedly, at his home on October 12, 2020 in Odessa, NY, at the age of 68. John is survived by his wife, Mary Whiting, of Odessa, NY; daughter, Jane Whiting, of Ithaca, NY; brother, James Whiting, of Los Angeles, CA; sister, Donna Orlyk, of Salem NY; sister, Andrea Whiting Osborne, of Watkins Glen, NY; and brother, David Whiting of Newfield, NY.

John was born on August 20, 1952, in Montour Falls, NY, to Jim and Bernita Whiting. He graduated from Watkins Glen High School in 1970, and attended college first in Albany and then Buffalo, where he studied art and art history, before taking a journey through Europe. He married Mary Rogers, an Ithaca City school teacher in 1987. John worked as a carpenter and an artist. He was especially known for his landscape oil paintings, many featured Seneca Lake and other scenes from the region, as well as drawings of intricate, knot-like mazes. Mary and Jane remember John as a loving, warm, and generous husband and father. He greatly enjoyed having his extended family gather at his home. John was present and attentive; children adored him. John was a musician, who loved to sing and play the guitar, banjo, and fiddle, especially with family. John designed games, which like his art, reflected limitless imagination, wit, and joy. John was an avid gardener, and greatly enjoyed sharing the bounty with family and friends.He especially loved to be in nature, and may have been at his happiest when walking through the woods, often in search of wild mushrooms.

Consistent with what John would have wished for, no services will be held. A retrospective, interactive art show is planned for August 2022.