Donald Brinkerhoff Whiting, 92, of Skaneateles, died peacefully Tuesday, Oct. 25, 2016, at Saint Anthony’s on The Commons in Auburn. He was predeceased by his wife of 69 years, Catherine, in August. He is survived by sons Joseph (Diana), Andrew (Roberta), Daniel , daughter Jeri , niece Linda Wheat, grandchildren, Heather, Gabriella , Nakeeya , great-granddaughter Ella and friend and caregiver Linda Pientka.
Don was the son of Lawrence and Hazel Whiting and a true native of Skaneateles being born at home on Leitch Avenue in the village in 1924. He spent several years in Lake Placid and took part in a skating exhibition for the opening ceremonies of the 1932 Winter Olympics. He graduated high school from Skaneateles where he boxed, played hockey and was an All-State trumpet player. He attended Colgate University, graduating from Delhi and was a builder by profession. He enlisted in the Army in 1942 and was a proud veteran of The 10th Mountain Division. A lifelong skier he was a member of the Ski Troops and was awarded three Bronze Stars for his service in The Italian Campaign. He played trumpet in The Army Band and later played in The Jordan Drum and Bugle Corp. and The Mottville Saints. He was an avid outdoors man and camper spending time in The Adirondacks and traveling around the country with the love of his life, Catherine, to different camp grounds. Always athletic he played hockey into his 60s in the Industrial League, The Syracuse City League and Sunday mornings at The Allyn Arena.  He also played recreational softball with his sons Joe and Andy in The Joe Curtis Memorial League. Don was a lifetime member of the Skaneateles Fire Department, an avid gardener and particularly proud of his vegetable crop. He was loved and respected by his family and friends and will be missed by everyone who had the good fortune of knowing him. His wife Catherine summed him up best saying “He was a good, sweet man when I met him and he has never changed.”
In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to SAVES or The Skaneateles Fire Department. Although there are no calling hours, remembrances can be left at robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.