Obituary of Benjamin N. Whitmore

Benjamin Newton Whitmore was short in stature with a big heart, a tremendous spirit, and enormous wit. Born June 19, 1929, in Dunkirk, NY, his youth was spent in Lyncourt, where he graduated from North High School in 1947. Ben lived most of his adult life in Camillus, where his love of family and friends brought everyone incredible happiness. His love of everything Syracuse Orange was second to none. He never left the house without sporting his SU hat, his SU jacket, and his SU sunglasses. Coach Boeheim may miss Ben's advice shouted passionately to the tv set during every game. Ben was a friend to all he met. He loved all people without judgment. His warmth was infectious and always reciprocated. In his younger years, one of his favorite activities was driving with friends to the Burnet Park at night. While others at the park's overlook were engaged in underage drinking or various amorous activities, Ben and his friends' goal was to eat a dozen donuts each (glazed). His diminutive size remained (despite the donuts), but this did not prevent him from participating in sports. He was coxswain for the Syracuse University men's rowing team and graduated from SU with a degree in business management in 1972. Ben's disdain of winter was addressed 25 years ago when, after retiring from GE, he and his loving wife of 63 years, Jeanette Forger Whitmore, bought a home in Zephyrhills, Florida, where they enjoyed many dear friends. They especially loved sitting on their lanai, soaking up the warmth while greeting passersby and inviting them to sit with them. Summers were spent in Manlius. Ben loved golfing at Brooklawn golf course and after walking became more difficult, he transitioned to sitting on stools at local casinos where he always kept hope alive, despite rarely winning. He also loved the BeeGees. Ben was generous with his friendships. He would give you the shirt off his back, but was frugal in the grocery store. When shopping for his growing family, he purchased cookies that no one liked. "Why?" his kids asked. "Because they last longer," he responded. While fiercely loyal to his wife, he was a charmer with the ladies, especially the nurses who were so kind to him in his later years. He was a member of the Pastimes Athletic Club and a charter member of Immanuel Methodist Church. He was the deeply beloved father of Thomas (Marlene Hamann) Whitmore of Geneseo, Benette Whitmore-McGrath (Thomas) of Fayetteville, and Samuel "Jack" Whitmore of Syracuse. His grandchildren were Eli (LeeAnn) Tiffault, Kallie Tiffault, Ben Whitmore, and Alex Whitmore. His joy in all of their accomplishments- especially in sports and music- was met with smiles and tears of pride. His endless love and "you can do anything" encouragement allowed his children and grandchildren to shoot for the stars, and they did. He always enjoyed the company of many nieces and nephews and looked forward to family reunions. It must be mentioned that he is also survived by his childhood imaginary friend, Stuck Hayes. Services: There will be no calling hours. A celebration of Ben's remarkable life will be held in the summer, his favorite season. Those who join in the celebration will be asked to wear blue and orange and will be welcome to share their stories and love of Ben.