SOUTHWICK – Farrell Willard “Whit” Whitney, 84, a resident of Southwick for the past 36 years and formerly of New Zealand, died late Wednesday evening, March 12, 2014 at Heritage Hall North of Agawam. Whit was born in Conway, MA a son of the late Willard T. and Beatrice (Stone) Whitney. He enlisted with the U.S. Navy at the age of 17 and was a veteran of the Korean War. He retired in 1972 after twenty five years of active service attaining the rank of ABCS. During his career with the navy, Whit served with the Antarctic Naval Support Force with the squadrons VX-6 and VXE-6. He was a member of the OAEA “Old Antarctic Explorers Association” and a communicant of St. Mary’s Church in Westfield.Whit leaves his loving wife of 52 years, Janet (Anderson) Whitney of Southwick; his sister, Eileen Horkun of Southwick; his New Zealand family of sisters and brothers in-law, Noel, Errol, Robyn and Tim; as well as many nieces and nephews. He was the devoted father of the late Jenilee Whitney who died in 1991 and brother of the late, Lawson, Carolyn, Marion, Helen and Jayne; and brother-in-law of the late Barry Anderson. His wife would like to extend a special thanks to his devoted care givers and nursing staff at Heritage Hall North.
His funeral will be private and contributions in his memory may be directed to the Salvation Army, P.O. Box 1569. Springfield, MA 01101 or to the American Red Cross of Pioneer Valley, 506 Cottage Street, Springfield, MA 01104 or the Polverari-Southwick Animal Control Facility, 11 Depot Street, Southwick, MA 01077. Arrangements are by the Southwick Forastiere Funeral Home, 624 College Highway, Southwick. For more information, please visit our website at: www.forastierefuneralhome.com
