Ernest J. Whittle, Jr. (Ernie) loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather passed away peacefully at home on December 18, 2019 in Belleair, Florida. Ernie was born on February 6, 1921 in Philadelphia, PA to Ernest James Whittle and Stephanie Waskevich Whittle. As a graduate of the the Army Air Corps Class of 42 - I, he served in the Pacific Theater as a fighter pilot during World War II.
Following the war, he worked in sales for The Monroe Calculating Machine Company. In 1954 he joined Avon Products at their Rockefeller Center location. Over the more than thirty years he was with Avon he became the manager of several plants across the United States, and managing director in the United Kingdom. He retired from the company as a Vice President.
An easy and engaged conversationalist, he related well to children and adults of all ages. His family often heard the phrase “Everyone loves Ernie!” He enjoyed a variety of interests through-out his life. An ardent sportsman, Ernie played tennis, paddleball, racquet ball and golf, although golf was his primary passion. He was an avid reader and loved listening to music - from the swing bands of the 40’s to Broadway musicals.
Ernie’s retirement years were very active. His life-long passion for golf and his good health enabled him to play until two years ago, not long after he scored his third hole in one at the Belleair Country Club.
Ernie is survived by his loving wife of twelve years, Carole Westcott Whittle; and his children, Rosemary Whittle Egan, Ph.D. (Thomas), Elizabeth Anne Whittle, Esq., Victoria Whittle Mack (Michael), Ernest J. Whittle, III, DDS (Velkys), and Martha Jane Whittle (Michael Foley). He is also survived by his six cherished grandchildren; Brian, Rosemary, James, John, Stephanie and Julia, who will miss their dear “Grandpa EJ”; and his eight great-grandchildren; Finn, Cole, Billy, Drew, Teddy, Jean, Mary, and Luke who also loved him. Ernie was predeceased by his parents, his wife of 30 years, Rosemary (Birgel) Whittle, his wife of 10 years, Constance (Pym) Whittle and his five siblings; Marion (Whittle) Drum, Dorothy (Whittle) Retter, Martha (Whittle) Kern, William Whittle and John Whittle.
Memorial contributions may be made to The Salvation Army, to Shriners Hospitals for Children, or to the charity of your choice.
A funeral will be held at Church of the Ascension, 701 Orange Avenue, Clearwater on January 11, 2020 at 11:00 a.m
