J. Robert Whitmore, 93, of Vero Beach, passed away on April 6, 2014, after a brief illness.
He is survived by his children, James R. Whitmore (Doreen), Kathleen Modrow (Douglas), Michael W. Whitmore (Vicki), and John F. Whitmore (Marilyn); seven grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; three step-grandchildren; five step- great- grandchildren; and a brother Rev. Msgr. Paul E. Whitmore.
He was predeceased by his wife of 67 years, Margaret Nee Monahan, and grand-daughter Debbie Ann Modrow-Snook.
Whitmore was born on Nov. 19, 1920 in Erie, Penn., but was raised in Watertown, N.Y. and then lived in New Jersey for 40 years where he and his wife raised their children. They moved to Vero Beach shortly after his retirement.
He graduated from Fordham University, served in World War II as a First Lieutenant, and worked for Suburban Propane Gas Corp. for more than 36 years prior to retiring as Vice President in charge of Taxes and Insurance.
Whitmore had been active in community affairs serving with the Boy Scouts for many years in Morris Plains, N.J., the Homeowners Association and Golf Club boards in Panther Valley in N.J., the Men’s Golf Association and Civic Association, at Vista Royale, and was an active member in St. Helen Catholic Church with the Nocturnal Adoration Society, Harvest Festival, and the Parish Council.
Memorial Contributions should be made to St. Helen Catholic Church. Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m., Tuesday, April 8 at Cox Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home with a prayer service at 7 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m., Wednesday, April 9, at St. Helen Catholic Church and entombment will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens in Fort Pierce. Arrangements are under the direction of Cox Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home and Crematory in Vero Beach. Online condolences may be sent at www.coxgiffordseawinds.com.
