Bernhard Bay: Richard C. Whitney Jr., 58, of Bernhards Bay, passed away Saturday, September 14, 2013 in the Burn Center at Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston due to complications from a work related accident. “Rick” was born in Syracuse and graduated from Central Square Central School.
Rick was a Steamfitter with Local 267 for nearly 30 years, working for Joy Process Mechanical Company. He was an accomplished horseshoe player and a member of the Pioneer Horseshoe Club. He was also a private pilot and a member of the Syracuse Flying Club. Rick enjoyed sports of all kinds and was an avid fan of the Boston Red Sox and Pittsburgh Penguins. He was a member of the YMCA. He attended the Abundant Life Ministries Church in East Syracuse.
Rick was predeceased by his mother, Lavan Geary. He is survived by his parents, Richard Sr. and Gail Whitney, Kelly Whitney, wife for over 11 years, sisters Diane (Greg) Bolton of Bernhards Bay, Natalie (Lee) Dodson of Central Square, brothers, Paul (Lynn Kelley) Whitney of Bernhards Bay, Scott Whitney of Clayton, NC, David (Donnetta) Whitney of Cleveland, NY, and Brian (Sandy) Butler of Cleveland, NY, a very special friend, June Wood and her children, and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Calling hours will be Saturday, September 21 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Cleveland United Methodist Church, 73 Bridge St., Cleveland, NY. Services will immediately follow at 1:00 p.m. Interment will be in the Lakeside Rural Cemetery, Bernhards Bay. Funeral services are under the direction of Watson Funeral Home, Central Square.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Rick’s memory to one of the following: Cleveland United Methodist Church, PO Box 188, Cleveland, NY 13042, Bernhards Bay United Methodist Church, PO Box 154, Bernhards Bay, NY 13028 or the Sumner Redstone Burn Center at Massachusetts General Hospital (online at giving.massgeneral.org or a check payable to Mass General at 165 Cambridge St., Suite 600, Boston, MA 02114).