John W. Whittemore
July 14, 1948 — August 28, 2011
TEMPLETON – John W. Whittemore, 63, of 26 Elm Street, Baldwinville, died peacefully Sunday morning, August 28 th in Heywood Hospital, Gardner.
He was born in Gardner on July 14, 1948, son of the late Carl and Elizabeth (Champney) Whittemore and had lived in Baldwinville for 32 years.
John worked as an automotive mechanic for most of his life. Until his retirement, he worked for several years at Pete’s Tire Barn in Gardner and Orange. He was a member and long term deacon of First Congregational Church in Gardner. In 1967, John graduated from New Salem Academy. He enjoyed model cars, trips to Disney World and Cape Cod and drinking Coke. His greatest enjoyment came from spending time with his family and his dog Becky.
He leaves his wife of 32 years, Marjorie J. (Abbott) Whittemore; two daughters, C. Sue Rader and her husband R. Dale of Otter River and Amy L. Rathburn and her husband Bill of Baldwinville; five grandchildren, Hayley Rader, Jacob Rader, Matthew Rader, Hannah Rathburn and Cameron Rathburn as well as several nephews and nieces. He was predeceased by two brothers, Theodore Roberts and William Roberts and two sisters, Pauline Dyer and Lois Roy, who died on August 28 th .
Funeral services will be held Thursday, September 1 st at 11 A.M. in First Congregational Church, 28 Green Street, Gardner. The Rev. Francis McKenzie will officiate.
Calling hours in Stone-Ladeau Funeral Home, 343 Central Street, Winchendon are Wednesday, August 31 st from 6 to 8 P.M.
Interment will be in Greenlawn Cemetery, Baldwinville at a later date.
Memorial donations may be made to the Living Memorial Fund of First Congregational Church, 28 Green Street, Gardner, MA 01440 or to Templeton Fire Department Rescue Squad, 2 School Street, Baldwinville, MA. 01436.