Former Councilor Ted Whittaker Passes Away

The following information was provided by Fagan-Quinn Funeral Home.

Former North Kingstown Town Councilor and School Committee Member Edward J. "Ted" Whittaker passed away October 20 at the age of 66. 

Whittaker, the former president of the North Kingstown Democratic Town Committee, served on the School Committee from 1990 to 1994 and on the Town Council from 2006 to 2008. During his time on the council, Whittaker was instrumental in the approval and construction of the Slocum Fire Station and the North Kingstown Senior Center. 

He was a member of the Mount Vernon Masonic Lodge #4, The Rhode Island Shriners, and the Newport Elks Lodge #104. He was also an associate member of the North Kingstown FOP Lodge #33 and the 100 Club. Whittaker was a member and past president of Steamfitters Local 476. He was also a member of the Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Air Conditioning Local 51 for more than 40 years, and a 20-year member of AFSCME Council 94. 

This upcoming holiday season will be much different without Whittaker, who would transform into his role of Santa Claus during Festival of Lights – arriving into Wickford Village on a North Kingstown fire truck to greet local children. Whittaker also enjoyed playing Santa at events across the state. Whittaker gave all of the proceeds from his role of Santa to the Children's Friend and Service along with other charitable organizations.

Whittaker graduated from Bishop Hendricken High School in 1964 and went on to graduate from Rhode Island College summa cum laude with a bachelor's degree in labor studies. He was the senior chief mechanical investigator for the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training for more than 20 years before retiring in April 2012.

In his spare time, Whittaker enjoyed golfing, gardening, skiing and vacationing in New Hampshire. 

He leaves behind his wife of 40 years, Meredith N. (McClean) Whittaker; his two  Tyler M. Whittaker of Providence and Todd C. Whittaker of Greenville; and his brother Robert T. Whittaker.

Friends and family are invited to a Requiem Eucharist on Wednesday, Oct. 24 at 10 a.m. at St. Paul's Church in Wickford. Burial will follow at Quidnessett Memorial Cemetery. Visiting hours are Tuesday from 4 to 8 p.m. at Fagan-Quinn Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to Children's Friend and Service, 153 Summer Street, Providence, RI 02903 or Home & Hospice Care of RI, 1085 North Main Street, Providence, RI 02904 would be appreciated.