Richard J. Whittaker
December 12, 1942, to June 24, 2024

Richard "Dick" Whittaker, 81, of Southwick, MA, passed away on June 24, 2024, after a courageous battle with Pancreatic Cancer, surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Springfield on December 12, 1942, to the late Walter and Genevieve (Byrnes) Whittaker. Dick was raised in Chicopee and was a graduate of Chicopee High School, class of 1961 (The Class of Champions), where he played center on an undefeated football team. He was also the co-captain of the tennis team. He was a graduate of Northampton Commercial College and attended A.I.C.

Dick had two careers, his first being in the Banking Industry as an A.V.P. of the former Park West Bank and Trust of West Springfield. He was a Notary Public, a West Springfield Chamber of Commerce Member, and an American Cancer Society Executive Member (Springfield Chapter). He was also on The Vestry of St. David's Episcopal Church. His second career was in the U.S. Air Force; He was very proud of his military service. He began as an Airman Basic and retired as a Lt. Colonel. His military career started with basic training at Lackland Airforce Base in Texas. He attended Personnel School at Greenville Airforce Base in Mississippi, was an honor graduate from the N.C.O Academy at McGhee Tyson Air Force Base in Tennessee, and he received his commission as a 2nd LT, completing the Supply Officer's Course at Lowry Air Force Base in Colorado. Finally, he completed the Professional Military Course, Squadron Officer School, Air Command, and Staff College at Maxwell Air Force Base in Alabama.

Dick loved his country and his service at the 104th Fighter Wing in Westfield, Massachusetts. He received the Air Force Commendation Medal, the Airforce Achievement Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal. He retired as a Lt. Colonel in 1998 as the Base Comptroller.

He was happily married to Joanne (Gilrein) Whittaker for 56 years. Dick and Joanne loved to travel, visiting several European Countries, Hawaii, The Caribbean, as well as their yearly trips to Stowe, Vermont, and Hilton Head, South Carolina.

Surviving Dick are his wife Joanne and his two daughters Leigh Whittaker and Beth Constantino, whom he loved and was supportive of in all their endeavors. He also leaves his beloved sister Joan Hastings, grandchildren Kellsey Linfors and husband Ronald, Keegan Sullivan, Austin O'Brien, many cherished friends, and extended family members. He was predeceased by his brothers Arthur and Walter (Chuck) Whittaker. "It was a great ride"

Donations can be made to St. Davids Episcopal Church or to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Richard's Memory, honoring his legacy.

Visitation with his family will be held on Wednesday June 26, 2024, from 4-7 P.M. at the Agawam Funeral Home 184 Main Street. Family & friends will gather on Thursday June 27,2024 at 10:30 A.M and proceed to St. David's Episcopal Church 699 Springfield Street in Agawam for a 12:15 P.M for services. Burial immediately followed by committal at Massachusetts Veterans' Memorial Cemetery in Agawam