John E Whitty

John E. Whitty Sr., 87, entered eternal rest on July 20, 2026, surrounded by the love of his devoted family.

Born on May 11, 1939, in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, John was a proud New Yorker whose life was defined by faith, family, service, and hard work. He attended St. Patrick School before graduating from William E. Grady Vocational High School and later attending the College of Staten Island.

John honorably served his country in the United States Navy as a machinist aboard the USS Vulcan. His love of country remained with him throughout his life, and he was deeply patriotic and proud of his military service.

Following his time in the Navy, John dedicated 36 years to the Fire Department of the City of New York (FDNY), serving his community with courage, integrity, and quiet humility. In addition to his firefighting career, he was a skilled electrician whose work ethic was admired by all who knew him. He believed in providing for his family and did so faithfully throughout his life.

On November 21, 1964, John married the love of his life, Virginia (née Kraemer). Their story began with a first date to Coney Island, where they shared a meal at Nathan's Famous—a simple beginning to a remarkable journey that would span more than 62 years. Together they lived the promises they made on their wedding day, remaining steadfast through sickness and health, for richer or poorer, always placing their faith, marriage, and family first. Their enduring love has become an example to generations that followed.

John was the devoted father of Kathleen and her husband Michael, Eileen and her husband Michael, John and his fiancé Jessica, James, and Ann Marie. He was predeceased by his beloved children Edward, Teresa, and Mary, whose loss he carried in his heart every day.

He was a proud grandfather to Matthew, Edward, Michael, Ellyse, Danielle, Alexandra, Anthony, John Patrick and Katie, a cherished great-grandfather to Michael, Mia, Daniel, Madison, Grace, Addison, Parker, Sean, and Christopher. He is also survived by his beloved sister, Ann Marie, and his niece, Jeanne. He was predeceased by his sisters, Kathleen and Elizabeth, and by his nephews, Matthew and John.

Outside of work, John found peace surf fishing in Great Kills, where he enjoyed the quiet beauty of the water. He was known for his quick wit, sharp sense of humor, and ability to make those around him laugh. Whether offering a joke, lending a helping hand, or quietly fixing something that needed repair, John expressed his love through action more than words.

A man of deep Catholic faith, John received all of his sacraments at St. Patrick Church, where his spiritual journey began and remained an important part of his life.

During his final years, John was surrounded by extraordinary love. His wife, Virginia, and their children cared for him with unwavering devotion, ensuring he remained in the comfort of his family until God called him home. The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to his devoted caregiver, Alphonso, whose compassion, kindness, and loving care made him part of the family.

While his family grieves his death, they find great comfort in knowing that John has been received into the loving embrace of God and welcomed by the angels and saints as well as his beloved parents Edward and Kathleen, his sisters Kathleen and Elizabeth, his nephews Matthew and John, and his cherished children Edward, Teresa, and Mary, whom he longed to see again.

John's legacy is one of selfless service, steadfast faith, unconditional love, and quiet strength. He will be remembered as a devoted husband, loving father, proud grandfather and great-grandfather, brother, uncle, loyal friend, firefighter, veteran, and a man whose greatest accomplishment was the family he cherished above all else.

"Well done, good and faithful servant." — Matthew 25:23

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Tunnel to Towers Foundation https://t2t.org/

Visitation will be held at McLaughlin & Sons Funeral Home, 9620 3rd Ave, New York, NY 11209, US, on July 25, 2026, from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm, on July 26, 2026, from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm, and again on July 26, 2026, from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm.

A Funeral Service will take place at St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church, 9511 4th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11209, US, on July 27, 2026, from 10:30 am to 11:30 am, followed by a Committal Service at Moravian Cemetery, 2205 Richmond Rd, New York, NY 10306, US, on July 27, 2026, from 12:15 pm to 1:00 pm.