Richard Roy Whittemore

Richard Roy Whittemore (Rich) passed away peacefully at his home in Durham, NC on September 16, 2026 with his loving wife near him. He was blessed to be visited by all of his eight children in the few weeks prior to his death. They reminisced and exchanged memories with laughter and gratitude.

Rich was born in Trenton, New Jersey on April 17, 1939. He was a devoted husband, father, grandpa, brother, uncle and friend. He will be remembered for his love of God, love of family, hard work and his willingness to help anyone in need. He could fix anything whether it be a car, house, or machine. Rich had a gentle heart, a ready smile and a wonderful sense of humor. He never complained, although a terrible disease (PSP) stole his mobility and gave him pain in the last years of his life. If asked how he was, his response was always “I’m fine, hope you are.” Everyone felt better after spending time with Rich.

Rich was raised in Birmingham, Michigan, graduating from Birmingham High School. He spent his working years in trucks, following his dad who owned Whittemore Truck Sales in Rochester, NY in the 1950s and 60s. Rich's career was in sales and management in full truck rental and leasing programs in Rochester, New York for over 50 years. If he changed companies, his clients would follow him. He was appreciated and respected throughout his work world. He also attended Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) studying management and business.

He and his wife, Cathy, were fortunate to have eight children who all went to school in Fairport, NY. They left naturally to colleges, Armed services, and to start their own families. Their children gave Rich and Cathy many grandchildren and great grandchildren. If someone thought they bragged on their children and grandchildren too much, Rich and Cathy’s response was always they didn’t think they bragged on them enough.

Rich is survived by his wife, Cathy, his children, Debi Vreeland, Bob Whittemore, Alan Whittemore (Donna), Jim Whittemore (Kim), Vicki Hopkins (Thomas), Rob Cappel (Pam), Lora Berger (Dave), and Craig Cappel (Tiffany) plus numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother Paul (Chris) and sister Ruth (David) and nieces and nephews.

His funeral will be on September 26, 2026 at Hope Community Church, 821 Buck Jones Road, Raleigh, NC. Viewing will be from 12:30 - 1:30 p.m. and the Service will begin at 1:30 p.m.

A gathering of friends and family will follow at the church reception area, please join us for refreshments.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made in memory of Richard R. Whittemore to either Duke HomeCare and Hospice, 12 Moore Dr., Suite 200, Durham, NC 27713 in gratitude for the compassionate care provided or to Cure PSP in memory of Richard R. Whittemore, 325 Hudson Street, Floor 4, New York, NY 10013 so that others can be helped and cured from this terrible disease.