Obituary of Warren D. Whitford

Warren D. Whitford, 72, of 35 E. Terrace Ave. Lakewood, passed away Friday March 29, 2013 in Roswell Park Cancer Institute surrounded by his family. He was born January 16, 1941 in Jamestown the son of the late Leland and Ruth Cowles Whitford. Warren graduated from Jamestown Business College, and attended the Fluvanna Community Church. Prior to retirement in 2007, he had been employed at Erie Insurance. Earlier Warren worked at Blue Cross Blue Shield, MRC/SKF Bearings, and Dresser Rand. He enjoyed flying, sailing, rowing, and working with Habitat for Humanity. He was a member of the Chautauqua Lake Rowing Association, Aero Soaring Club, Brokenstraw Soaring Club, and Jamestown Civil Air Patrol. An accomplished musician, Warren played saxophone with the Stu Snyder Big Band, Harold Olson Big Band, Germaine and Pappalardo Swing Band, Chautauqua Big Band, and the Jamestown Municipal Band. Surviving are his companion of 15 years Jackie Thies; two daughters, Karen Whitford of Bemus Point, NY; Susan (Mike) Brunner of East Aurora, NY; four grandchildren, April Jackson of Harrisonburg, VA; Alexandra, Andrew, and Hans Brunner all of East Aurora. Also surviving is Sandra Whitford of Blockville, NY. The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday in the Fluvanna Community Church. The Rev. Richard D. Keefer will officiate. Burial will be in Open Meadows Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday in the Lind Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to the Fluvanna Community Church Building Fund, 3363 Fluvanna Ave. Ext. Jamestown, NY 14701; or American Cancer Society Hope Lodge, 197 Summer St. Buffalo, NY 14222; or JCC Dart Aviation Scholarship c/o Jamestown Community College Foundation, 525 Falconer St. PO Box 20, Jamestown, NY 14702-0020.