Milton A. Whitney

Warren – With heavy hearts, the family of Milton A. “Sonny” Whitney announces his passing at age 88 on July 24, 2019 after a long struggle with pulmonary fibrosis.  Born in Ware on January 19, 1931, the son of Howard A. and Eldrude M. (Royce) Whitney, he attended Warren schools and finished his two years in the U.S. Army serving in St. John’s, Newfoundland.

A man of many talents, he built his own home and barns, worked his farm to raise good crops, and could drive a bus safely to any destination. He was a licensed oil burner technician, a Chevrolet mechanic, had a small engine repair business and kept all his old farm equipment working. He retired as night supervisor in the assembly department at Warren Pumps in 1993.

He leaves to mourn his passing his beloved children;  daughter Lori Longacre and her daughters, Melissa and Angela Smith; daughter Dianne Whitney her partner Jim Palmer and her sons Nick Bernatowicz and his wife Renee, and Jimmy Bernatowicz; daughter Tammy Ostoin and her husband Carl and their children, Zane, Bo, and Maya; son Jonathan Whitney and his son Aden; daughter JoAnne Parks and her husband Todd and their children Bradley and Abby; his children’s mother, Lorraine (Levesque) Whitney, his lifelong partner and nurse caregiver.

He also leaves three sisters, Dorothy Cole, Eda Oliver, Virginia Fleming, and his brother Howard A. Whitney and many loving nieces, nephews, and cousins.  He was predeceased by sisters Joyce Barton, Janice Parquette, Phyllis Whitney, Joan Giguere, and Barbara Beeso and granddaughter Jennifer Smith.  The greatest heartache was the loss of his first child, Pamela Jeanne on July 2, 1958 at the age of 13 months.

Sonny loved his family first, blending hard work with rollicking good times, and leaving us with cherished memories.

Special thanks to the Overlook Hospice team for their care and guidance during his illness.  Relatives and friends may join the family for calling hours on Friday, August 2, 2019, from 4-6PM at Varnum Funeral Home, Inc., 43 East Main Street, West Brookfield.  A Funeral Mass will be held Saturday, August 3, 2019 at the Sacred Heart Church, 22 W. Main Street, West Brookfield at 10:00AM followed by his burial in Brimfield Cemetery.  

In memory of Milton, donations may be made in his name to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation at https://app.mobilecause.com/vf/PFFTribute/MiltonWhitney or a charity of your choice.

Varnum Funeral Home, Inc., 43 East Main St., in West Brookfield is assisting his family with arrangements.  

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Milton A. Whitney, please visit our floral store.