John Whitham

John "Jack" F. Whitham, age 90 of North Tonawanda, died Sunday February 4, 2018 in Tucson, AZ. Jack was born April 21, 1927 in Niagara Falls, NY, the son of the late George and Winifred (Smith) Whitham. A U.S. Navy Veteran of WW II, he served from August of 1944 to his honorable discharge in February of 1948. Jack was the recipient of the Good Conduct Medal, the WW II Victory Medal, and the American Theatre Medal. He married Rhea (Poupart) Whitham on June 11, 1949 in Niagara Falls, NY. Jack was a carpenter and member of the Carpenters Union for over 40 years. He retired from the Walter Johnson and Smith Brothers Construction Companies in Niagara Falls, NY in 1988 after 20 years. After his retirement, he and his wife wintered in Nokomis Florida. Jack was a member of St. Peter RC Church in Lewiston, and the former St. Teresa of the Infant Jesus RC Church in Niagara Falls, and the Knights of Columbus. He is survived by his wife, Rhea; seven daughters, Deborah (William) Brown of Nokomis, FL, Linda (late Michael) O'Laughlin of Brockport, NY, Sandra (Paul) Faltyn of Wheatfield, Jacquelyn (Joseph) West of Webster, NY, Susan (late Michael) Richmond of Tucson, AZ, Joyce (Mark) O'Brien of Pendleton, and Amy (Brian) Hansen of Lockport; 19 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren; and a brother, Gordon Whitham of Syracuse. He was predeceased by two brothers, George and Frank Whitham and two sisters, Kathleen Wells and Alice Young. A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, June 22, 2018 at 10:00 am in St. Peter RC Church, 600 Center St., Lewiston, NY with the Rev. Msgr. David G. LiPuma officiating. Interment with Military Honors will follow in Oakland Rural Cemetery , Youngstown. Arrangements have been entrusted to HARDISON FUNERAL HOME, N. Fourth & Ridge Sts., Lewiston. Memorials may be made to Pathways Arizona Hospice, 3945 E. Paradise Falls Dr. Tucson, AZ 85712 or to the WNY Chapter Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, 1775 Wherle Dr., Suite 150, Williamsville, NY 14221.