Obituary of Jeremiah Martin Whitaker

Jeremiah Martin Whitaker Sr. “Jerry” Jerry died peacefully in his home in Walden on January 2, 2015 at the age of 87. He passed knowing that he did a wonderful job raising his family and that they loved him very much. Born April 18, 1927 as the first child of Jeremiah and Jane “Daisy” Whitaker, Jerry grew up in Newburgh,NY. After attending Newburgh Free Academy, Jerry twice enlisted in the United States Navy. His combined seven plus years of service spanned from the end of WW2 in the Pacific to the Korean War conflict, serving aboard the USS Mount McKinley. He married the love of his life, Dorothy (Dotty) Van Leuven in 1954. They lived and raised their family in Walden. He retired from the New York State Thruway Authority after being employed as a Toll Supervisor for over 35 years. He worked part-time in his retirement for Gridley-Horan Funeral Home as the “man at the door” for many years. Jerry’s faith was strong and was a Cursillo member and a member of Most Precious Blood parish in Walden. Jerry spent many years serving the Walden community as a member of the Orange Hose Fire Co. along with the Knights of Columbus. He served as secretary and treasurer in the Fire Dept as well as in the Fire Police in his retirement. Jerry had a lifelong love affair with Drum Corps. He was a member of the VFW Post Corps and The Criterions in Newburgh in his youth and a Color Guard Instructor for Circleville Drum and Bugle Corps and the Envoys of Newburgh. He loved attending the local contests and shows, He never missed a local parade. His beloved dogs were an important part of his life. His house always had a spoiled Boston Terrier in it with Dad being the biggest “spoiler” of all. Biscuits will be handed out in heaven! Jerry is survived by three children: Mary with her husband Gery Selemon of Newburgh, Jerry Whitaker of Walden, and Lois Whitaker of Newburgh; two grandchildren, Michael Selemon and his wife Ksenia, and Nicholas Selemon; two great-grandchildren, Evelyn and Allison Selemon; sister in-law- Claire Whitaker of Newburgh and many loving nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his wife Dorothy, infant daughter Geraldine, brother Francis “Bud” Whitaker and sister Sheila Oliansky. Visitation will be held from 4-7 PM on Monday January 5, 2015 at the Gridley-Horan Funeral Home. Funeral Mass 10 AM on Tuesday January 6, 2015 at Church of the Most Precious Blood, Walden, NY. Burial will follow in New Prospect Cemetery, Pine Bush, NY. As a proud member of the Orange Hose Fire Department and Most Precious Blood Church, both of Walden, we ask that donations be made in Jerry’s name in lieu of flowers.