Obituary for Stuart Barton Whitham
Stuart Barton Whitham
March 20, 1928 - January 12, 2023
Stuart Barton Whitham, husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, passed away on January 12th leaving behind a loving family and a legacy rich in storytelling, a strong work ethic, integrity and humility, and a deep and lasting love of his family and friends.
Stuart came into this world in New London, CT, on March 20, 1928, under a heavy burden of losing his mother shortly after childbirth. He spent his first few years in foster homes until he was joyfully reunited with his father Richard, stepmother Laura, brother Dick and sister Phoebe to whom he was dearly devoted. Stuart was very involved in the local Baptist church and even considered pursuing the ministry. After graduating from Groton High School in Connecticut, Stuart enlisted in the Army, and served in Korea for nearly two years at the end of World War II. He reached the rank of Sargent at age 18 and was offered a place at West Point, which he turned down.
Stuart returned back to Groton and went on to attend the University of Connecticut where he joined the football team and earned the nickname ‘The Beak’ after a game-related incident. Stuart, not especially studious, was known for spending more time in the ping pong hall than in classes where he excelled at the game. During this time he met the woman of his dreams, Astrid Nelson. It was at a party where she was playing the piano that he walked into the room and turned to his brother saying, “that’s the woman I’m going to marry.”
And he did! After passing the stern approval of Astrid’s Swedish parents, who were not exactly impressed by Stuart initially, he eventually won them over and they married on July 15, 1950. This 72-year union produced an ever expanding family of six children. Though not necessarily a strict disciplinarian, he served as a role model for his children, instilling a deep respect and love of their father.
Throughout the years he would often wake up his children early morning with his unforgettable greeting… “get up get up the sun is up we’re going on a picnic… “ They all knew what that meant - an adventure. Stuart enjoyed piling the family into the station wagon and taking long road trips, camping out, swimming in lakes, playing games and telling stories. He entertained his family while driving, as he often had an ongoing and colorful commentary about other drivers, a habit which he passed on to many of his children. He had a talent for what the family called ‘Whiticisms’ – coming up with unique turns of phrase that eventually became his trademark and was inevitably adopted by his kids.
Anyone who knew Stu, knew he was passionate about his two teams: the Boston Red Sox and NY Giants. He even tried out for the Red Sox, but the curve ball pitch was his nemesis. He did work the college and Army/Navy game circuit as a very ethical umpire. Many a Sunday would find Stu sitting back smoking a cigar and intently watching a game with unbridled enthusiasm. A voracious reader, he was fascinated by the Civil War, often regaling the family in facts and stories of that era. At the same time he was a devoted lover of Emily Dickinson poems which on occasion he would recite at family gatherings.
Stuart had a long and successful career, beginning on the ground floor of the Retail Credit Company (now Equifax) and quickly rising up through the ranks, earning the deep respect of his colleagues and clients. Stu was known for his sense of humor, his work ethic, and charm. He was truly larger than life. During these years, Stuart enjoyed bowling, playing golf, square dancing, science fiction, and flying. He nearly got his pilot’s license. He also remained very involved in his children’s activities as scout leader, sports coach, homework helper and role model.
Stuart lived a long and fulfilling life that he shared with his life partner. He is survived by his loving wife, Astrid, and his six children, Sharon Whitham, Linda Whitham, Valerie Whitham, Jeffrey Whitham, Scott Whitham, and Christopher Whitham, 10 grandchildren, and 11 great grandchildren. Though he will be greatly missed, his memory will live on as his family continues his legacy of storytelling, Whiticisms…and living life to the fullest.
The family of Stuart Whitham wishes to thank everyone for their outpouring of kind words and remembrances of a truly wonderful man.
A funeral will be held on January 20, beginning at 11:00am at the Lee Funeral Home in Mt Holly, NJ. This will be followed by a graveside military honors ceremony at the Brigadier General William C. Doyle Memorial Cemetery in Wrightstown, NJ. Flowers can be sent to Lee Funeral Home at 317 High St. Mt. Holly, NJ.
March 20, 1928 - January 12, 2023
Stuart Barton Whitham, husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, passed away on January 12th leaving behind a loving family and a legacy rich in storytelling, a strong work ethic, integrity and humility, and a deep and lasting love of his family and friends.
Stuart came into this world in New London, CT, on March 20, 1928, under a heavy burden of losing his mother shortly after childbirth. He spent his first few years in foster homes until he was joyfully reunited with his father Richard, stepmother Laura, brother Dick and sister Phoebe to whom he was dearly devoted. Stuart was very involved in the local Baptist church and even considered pursuing the ministry. After graduating from Groton High School in Connecticut, Stuart enlisted in the Army, and served in Korea for nearly two years at the end of World War II. He reached the rank of Sargent at age 18 and was offered a place at West Point, which he turned down.
Stuart returned back to Groton and went on to attend the University of Connecticut where he joined the football team and earned the nickname ‘The Beak’ after a game-related incident. Stuart, not especially studious, was known for spending more time in the ping pong hall than in classes where he excelled at the game. During this time he met the woman of his dreams, Astrid Nelson. It was at a party where she was playing the piano that he walked into the room and turned to his brother saying, “that’s the woman I’m going to marry.”
And he did! After passing the stern approval of Astrid’s Swedish parents, who were not exactly impressed by Stuart initially, he eventually won them over and they married on July 15, 1950. This 72-year union produced an ever expanding family of six children. Though not necessarily a strict disciplinarian, he served as a role model for his children, instilling a deep respect and love of their father.
Throughout the years he would often wake up his children early morning with his unforgettable greeting… “get up get up the sun is up we’re going on a picnic… “ They all knew what that meant - an adventure. Stuart enjoyed piling the family into the station wagon and taking long road trips, camping out, swimming in lakes, playing games and telling stories. He entertained his family while driving, as he often had an ongoing and colorful commentary about other drivers, a habit which he passed on to many of his children. He had a talent for what the family called ‘Whiticisms’ – coming up with unique turns of phrase that eventually became his trademark and was inevitably adopted by his kids.
Anyone who knew Stu, knew he was passionate about his two teams: the Boston Red Sox and NY Giants. He even tried out for the Red Sox, but the curve ball pitch was his nemesis. He did work the college and Army/Navy game circuit as a very ethical umpire. Many a Sunday would find Stu sitting back smoking a cigar and intently watching a game with unbridled enthusiasm. A voracious reader, he was fascinated by the Civil War, often regaling the family in facts and stories of that era. At the same time he was a devoted lover of Emily Dickinson poems which on occasion he would recite at family gatherings.
Stuart had a long and successful career, beginning on the ground floor of the Retail Credit Company (now Equifax) and quickly rising up through the ranks, earning the deep respect of his colleagues and clients. Stu was known for his sense of humor, his work ethic, and charm. He was truly larger than life. During these years, Stuart enjoyed bowling, playing golf, square dancing, science fiction, and flying. He nearly got his pilot’s license. He also remained very involved in his children’s activities as scout leader, sports coach, homework helper and role model.
Stuart lived a long and fulfilling life that he shared with his life partner. He is survived by his loving wife, Astrid, and his six children, Sharon Whitham, Linda Whitham, Valerie Whitham, Jeffrey Whitham, Scott Whitham, and Christopher Whitham, 10 grandchildren, and 11 great grandchildren. Though he will be greatly missed, his memory will live on as his family continues his legacy of storytelling, Whiticisms…and living life to the fullest.
The family of Stuart Whitham wishes to thank everyone for their outpouring of kind words and remembrances of a truly wonderful man.
A funeral will be held on January 20, beginning at 11:00am at the Lee Funeral Home in Mt Holly, NJ. This will be followed by a graveside military honors ceremony at the Brigadier General William C. Doyle Memorial Cemetery in Wrightstown, NJ. Flowers can be sent to Lee Funeral Home at 317 High St. Mt. Holly, NJ.