Obituary of Edwin Whitman

Edwin F. Whitman passed away after a long battle with cancer at his home in Ft. Myers, Florida surrounded by his family on Wednesday night, August 19, 2009. He was 87 years old. Edwin was born in Natick, the son of the late Milo and Mary Whitman. He grew up and was educated in Natick. He was a graduate of Boston College. He served in the Army Air Corps during WW II as a member of the 415th Bomb Squadron and 98th Bomb Group. He flew bravely and well in combat missions over Austria, Italy, and Germany. He earned the Air medal along with Battle Stars for the Po and Arno Rivers. He had worked for Stop & Shop and Bradlees as a member of their management team for 45 years. Edwin had spent the past 25 years living in Ft. Myers. He had previously resided in Burlington. He was a member of the Boston College Club of Florida, the Knights of Columbus and Veterans of Foreign Wars both in Ft. Myers Beach. He was a loving husband, devoted father, and proud grandfather. It gave him great comfort to know that during the end stages of his illness his family was at his side to comfort him. Edwin was the beloved husband of the late Agnes L. (Marqus) Whitman. He was the loving father of Christopher of Brazil, Camille Whitman-Pattie of Natick, Carol Malatesta of Burlington, Loretta Whitman-Hamilton of Chelmsford, Edwin, Jr. of Boston, John of Ft. Myers, FL, Andrew of Manchester, NH, and the late Mary Ground. Edwin was also survived by 13 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. He is the grandfather of the late Kara Malatesta. Funeral from the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., Burlington (exit 34 off RT. 128, Woburn side) on Monday, August 24 at 9 a.m. Followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Margaret’s Church, 111 Winn St., Burlington at 10 a.m. Visiting hours Sunday from 4-8 p.m. Interment in St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Natick. Memorials in Edwin’s name may be made to the Monastery of the Poor Clare Nuns, 6029 Estero BVLD., Ft. Myers Beach, FL 33931. A Rememberance of Edwin &quote;Bud&quote; Whitman by John &quote;Jay&quote; Whitman Today I have the honor and privilege of sharing some special memories of a very special man Edwin F. Whitman Sr. known to many as Bud or Dad.He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather or just simply a friend. He was a very intelligent and strong willed man. In 1942 Bud was drafted and served his country until 1945. After the war he went to Boston College and graduated in 1950. While in college he met the love of his life Agnes Marqus, they were married on June 18, 1949. He began his long career with the Stop and Shop companies and retired 45 years later from Bradlees. Bud and Agnes raised eight children. His faith was a very important part of his life, and while Bud and Agnes were retired on Fort Myers Beach they created a very special bond with the Poor Clare Nuns and their Chaplin Fr. Raney. Even being 96 years old Fr. Raney came to our house in Fort Myers on several occasions to distribute holy communion and gave Bud the anointing of the sick. The two primary houses were in Waltham and Burlington. The first house they purchased was on Sheffield Road, this was where most of the children were raised. followed by the house on Drake Road which was home until retirement. Seventeen years of retirement were spent in a condo on Fort Myers Beach Florida, quite a change from a five bedroom house to a two bedroom condo. After seventeen years on the gulf Agnes decided it was time for yet another house to which Bud replied most people our age are going into nursing homes, and here we are buying a four bedroom home.This would be the home that both Bud and Agnes lived in right up to and including their final days. Both Bud and Agnes wish was to be in their home when they were called to heaven. On August 19, 2009 at 9:05 p.m. with his family by his side, and in the same spot his beloved Agnes was when she passed, Bud too passed away peacefully. Bud was very anxious to be reunited with Agnes, Mary, and Kara even at times questioning why it was taking so long. He was never afraid of death and often would say this is only a journey, that we will all be together again in heaven. The holidays were a very important time for Bud and he made it the focal point for his family. Easter would not be complete without him making his Easter baskets for his children and grandchildren. Everybody got a basket, and on one occasion there were a few too many jellybeans so into a punch bowl they went. This was too much for Kara to pass up, she just had to put her hands in and give a big scoop. Decorating for Christmas was a project unto itself. The wreaths in every window, one on the door and a floodlight. Yes only white lights in each window, and make sure all the lights were off so the scene was just perfect. This tradition continued in Fort Myers where the ornaments in each window had to be just right. The ceramic nativity scene that Agnes made was on the table as you came in arranged the way Bud wanted it. Bud enjoyed playing cards with the family, but did not take to losing which earned the nickname &quote;Crybaby Whitman&quote; He also enjoyed watching Jeopardy and playing trivia always claiming to be the smartest. When Agnes was ill and within weeks of passing she said she wanted a puppy. On October 20, 2004 she got a puppy named Yoda. Bud got quite upset with Carol and Jay for doing this, but little did he know what Agnes had planned. Yoda became Buds dog after Agnes passed, and even in his last days Bud said there would be an argument in heaven if Agnes even thinks of taking him. This is my dog he would say, she has plenty of others, but Yoda is mine. He is the best dog, smartest dog, and classiest dog. Bud taught us that our ultimate role in life is to take care of each other and to make each other feel loved, that our legacy is not founded in how many houses or dollars we leave behind, but in how we love and in turn are loved. The most privileged time for me was being able to be with and care for Bud these last five years, right up until his peaceful death. Yes Bud is my father, but also my best friend. Dad you put up a good fight, and now is your reward eternal peace. Until we see each other again in heaven Good-bye, God bless, and I love you. Oh by the way I will take good care of Yoda. Dad I love you and miss you. Love Always Your son John &quote;Jay&quote; Whitman