Rolan S. "Pat" Whitney

He was born on Jan. 27, 1923, to Edward and Trilla Whitney.

He was a WWII veteran who proudly served his country in the U.S. Army-Air Force from Aug. 11, 1942, until his honorable discharge on Oct. 13, 1945. Mr. Whitney was an airplane mechanic who contributed to the air offensive in Normandy, northern France, the Rhineland, Ardennes, and central Europe. He received the European-African-Middle-Eastern Medal with 6 Bronze Stars, the Distinguished Unit Badge, and the Good Conduct Medal.

He had been married for over fifty years to the late Jean Policastro. They had lived their married life in the Kalamazoo, MI, area. Mr. Whitney had lived in the Charlotte area for the last ten years.

Mr. Whitney was a printer/pressman for a paper mill in Parchment, MI.

Survivors include two children, Ronald (Diane) Whitney, Waxhaw, NC, and Carol (Jim) Simon, Hamilton, VA; seven grandchildren; and seven great grandchildren.

Memorial services will begin on Friday, July 29, 2011, at 2:00 p.m. at Willow Grove-Senior Independent Living, 10043 Idlewild Rd., Matthews, NC, followed by refreshments. Reverend Patrick T. Hoare will be the celebrant. Burial will be in Michigan at a later time.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; brother, Edward; and sister, Vera.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Mr. Whitney’s name may be given to the American Heart Association, 222 S. Church St., #303, Charlotte, NC 28202-3247.

Condolences to the family may be offered at www.mcewenminthillchapel.com.