JOSEPH WHITAKER, 91, passed away on August 19th, 2008. Joe was born in Patchogue, NY. He enlisted in the US MARINE CORP. and served through WW II. Joe had various jobs in printing, cartooning and lastly, retired as Director of Suffolk County, NY Department of General Services in 1980 after 17 years of service. He retired to Orlando, FL and pursued more free lance cartooning and lots of ballroom dancing and golf--all real loves of his. He moved to Port Charlotte 10 years ago and has published the cartoon panel, "RUDY THE RETIREE" in the Charlotte Sun Herald since Jan. 2001. Joe will certainly be remembered for his wit, sense of humor, love of life and wisdom developed over 91 years.
He is survived by his loving wife, Shirley, son, Joe Sheri from Maitland, Fl., daughter, Laurel Ted and grandson, Nicholas of Rockaway, NJ.
Memorial Services will be held at 3:00 pm, Saturday, Sept 27, 2008 at the Port Charlotte Village Club House, 1000 Kings Hwy, Pt Charlotte, FL 33980. Joe loved his dog, CLEO, featured in his cartoon and the family would like memorial donations to go to The Animal Welfare League, 3519 Drance Street, Port Charlotte, FL 33980.
