Canton Obituary: Charles Whitney

Charles Alden Whitney, son of Lewis Henry Whitney and Elizabeth Howe Whitney, completed his life’s journey on August 11, 2015 at home under Hospice care.

After his birth in Concord, MA, his family relocated to Farmington, where he was a graduate of Farmington High School in 1953. Charlie continued his education at Worcester Polytechnic Institute and in 1957 received a B.S. Degree in Electrical Engineering. During his college years he served as treasurer and as chaplain of a fraternity, played varsity soccer, ran indoor track, and discovered lacrosse which led him to become a charter member of the CT Valley Lacrosse Club, actively playing for ten years.

Charlie earned a M.S.E.E. Degree from the University of Connecticut while pursuing a career in research and development, from which he acquired a dozen patents. His last years in business involved technical application sales in the U.S. and Europe. He later recalled he truly had enjoyed the challenges presented by the nature of his work and felt privileged to have been associated with so many talented and dedicated colleagues and clients.

Charlie made his home in Canton for 56 years where he established strong ties to the community. He was a member of the Canton Center Congregational Church for 55 years and twice served as a deacon and trustee; he taught Sunday School as well as served as director of education for 5 years; it was an honor to serve on a Pastoral Search Committee.

After retirement Charlie spent numerous hours at the Canton Historical Museum as a tour guide and board member. This endeavor dovetailed with his life-long interest in reading widely in the field of history, with consideration to various points of view; in general, books were constant companions. Throughout life he sought time outdoors, whether engaged in athletic pursuits or hiking a mountain trail in youth; maintaining a piece of property, gardening, and taking long walks with his wife and dog in later years. There was never a more constant friend for Charlie than his canines; each one was a favorite.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Marlene Dietz Whitney, three children and their families: Anne Bradford Whitney Kerrebrock, her husband Peter, children Lewis Christopher and Gayle May; Sarah Elizabeth Whitney Wells and her husband Dennis; and Alden Byrne Whitney, his fiancée Merrilee Galloway, children, Ian Michael, Anna Elizabeth and Riley Galloway; his sister Joanne Bradford Whitney Crowell, her husband William E., and their four children: W. Bradford, Susannah (Remillard), Aaron and Samuel and their families.

There will be no calling hours, burial will be at the convenience of the family and a memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 19, 2015 at 2 pm at the Canton Center Congregational Church, 184 Cherry Brook Road, Canton Center.

In lieu of flowers donations are welcome at any of the following: Canton Center Congregational Church, 184 Cherry Brook Road, P.O. Box 133, Canton Center, CT 06020; The Canton Historical Museum, 11 Front Street, Collinsville, CT 06019, or The Carole and Ray Neag Comprehensive Cancer Center, UCONN Health Center, 263 Farmington Avenue, Farmington, CT 06030.

The Vincent Funeral Home of Simsbury is caring for the arrangements. Please visit Charlie’s “Book of Memories” at www.vincentfuneralhome.com for online condolences.