Walter Francis Whitney

Walter Francis Whitney left this earthly life and entered into eternal life with Our Lord as he passed away peacefully in his sleep on May 16th. He was a loving husband to Julia and father to Walter, Theresa, Mary, Patrick, Lizzy, Katy, Peter and Juli-anne, grandfather to 24, great grandfather to 14, and loving father-in-law to his children’s spouses, who he welcomed into the family as if they were his own. He was also a loving uncle to many nieces and nephews and a sometimes gruff but caring neighbor to many of his children’s friends.

Walter was born in his childhood home in Bergenfield, NJ on May 27, 1936 to Walter(deceased) and Winifred Joyce(deceased). He was the youngest of 5 boys, James, Edward and twins John and Gerard(deceased). Also remembered fondly, his stepmother Grace.

Even though they had their differences, Walter loved his brothers and would remember them fondly in stories from years gone by.

Walter grew up with his neighbor, Jim (Fred) Cochran (deceased), who was like a brother to him. He enjoyed sharing stories of not only of their childhood antics, but also of their “adventures” as adults, that were entertaining and often side splitting. Later in life they shared a business, JJ Michaels, a rip, tear and construction company, that they worked after their day jobs and on the weekends, to provide for their families.

Walter attended St. John’s Catholic School in Bergenfield and was proud of his many years as an Altar Server.

According to Julia, Walter continued his education as a perpetual student in the school of Life.

Walter was proud of his 5 years active duty and 3 years reserve in United States National Guard.

Walter and the game of golf were one. He loved and embraced every aspect of it. He began as a caddy at the age of 12, following his older brothers to work until he came into his own. Working at Knickerbocker Country Club in Tenafly, NJ, he met some of the golf greats and Celebrities (Jim Backus, Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey, to name of few. Walter worked his way up to assistant groundskeeper at the country club before moving to Park Ridge, NJ with his wife Julia and young son Walter.

Shortly after moving to Park Ridge, NJ, Walter began his employment for the Department of Public Works, retiring as Assistant Superintendent of Roads after 25 years of service to the community. Walter had a knack for growing anything green and was proud of his flowers growing around the monument in the center town, especially his tulips. He shared his expertise for growing a beautiful lawn with many individuals and as well as his knowledge of trees, flowers and summer vegetable gardens. For a few years, Walter turned the entire front yard into a mini farm, growing a variety of vegetables for family and friends.

Following his retirement, Walter and Julia settled in Thompson, Pennsylvania, fondly naming it Dismal Mountain in reference to the weather.

Once retired, Walter didn’t stop. He and Julia opened the JW Driving Range. It was up and running for 13 years, where he shared his golfing expertise and his past experiences with many individuals, customers and families alike.

Walter loved attending Golf tournaments where current professional golfers were competing. He always found a way to meet the professionals, take a picture and often give them one of Mom’s famous hats.

As previously stated, Walter’s love for Golf was second only to his faith, Julia and his family.

Being concerned with their safety in the rough Pennsylvania winters, they closed the driving range and became snowbirds first in Lecanto and then Beverly Hills, Florida, where he eventually took his last breath.

Although always a devout Catholic, Walter rediscovered and embraced his faith later in life. He renewed his membership with the Knights of Columbus and was both proud and humbled as a fourth degree Knight.

Both in Florida and Pennsylvania, Walter and Julia were actively involved in supporting their parishes, (St. Scholastica and Our Lady of Grace in Florida and St. Julianna’s in Pennsylvania).

He became a proud Cursillista in 2004, furthering his evangelization and deepening his faith and devotion to Our Lord.

Dad was a member of the Park Ridge Elks, served on Volunteer PR Fire Department and was a proud member of the Order of Hibernians.

Dad was very proud of his Irish heritage, as his Mom immigrated to the United States from Tullamore, Ireland. He was fortunate enough to visit Ireland twice and cherished that time, especially the second time he was able to travel “the Motherland.”

Walter was a spinner of tales, sharing stories of when he would accompany his Dad, a tugboat captain on NY/NJ waterways to work, taking trains from Nyack to Weehawken, summers in the Catskills, and various other stories of days gone by.

Walter had very strong views and convictions that he let be known. Although he enjoyed his Scotch and cigarettes in younger years, in his late 40’s, he gave both up cold turkey and never looked back!

Walter was a man of little fear. He would often “ruffle some feathers with his words and opinions, but always with a reason, although not always clear to others. If he saw someone smoking, whether he knew them or not, he'd give them a lecture about the miserable problems they would develop over time and then proceed to pray over them.

Although he may have slowed down a bit, Walter never stopped moving until his illness took over.

Although severely dyslexic his entire life, Walter composed poetry, having Julia write down word for word what he dictated.

One of his favorite pastimes more recently was charming crows with peanuts to get motorists to slow down on his street.

The family is grateful to the loving care hospice provided, especially Walter’s nurse Michael, who he lovingly referred to as Michael the Archangel, who will be forever known as by the family.

A grateful thanks to Karen, Concetta and Jeannie, the nurses who took such loving care of Walter and his family!

To Walter’s doctors, especially Dr. Blessilda Liu, thank you for your patience with the dynamics of a large family who all wanted the best for Walter and for the care attention you gave him.

Thank you to Our Lady of Grace for your visits, phone calls support and to Everyone for your love, thoughts, prayers and support.

We promised Walter he would never be forgotten. Please continue to share Walter stories as we will continue to share his legacy.

We love you, Walter!

Rest in God’s Peace.

Family and Friends will be received on Tues., May 20, 2025 from 4:00 to 8:00 PM in the Magnolia Room at Fero Funeral Home & Life Celebration Center, 5955 North Lecanto Highway, Beverly Hills, FL. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Sat., May 24, 2025 at 10:30 AM at St. Juliannas Church in Rock Lake/Pleasant Mount, PA under the direction of Jones and Brennan Funeral Home of Forest City, PA. Visitation at church will be from 9:30 AM until time of mass. Interment will follow at St. Juliannas Cemetery. In lie of flowers, please make memorial contributions to either St. Scholastica Catholic Church of Lecanto, FL or Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church of Beverly Hills, FL. Fero Funeral Home & Life Celebration Center, Beverly Hills, FL. www.ferofuneralhome.com