Rev. Mr. Donald R. Whiting

Rev. Mr. Donald R. Whiting, 92, of Cicero, passed away peacefully Wednesday, February 15, 2023, to go home to his Lord above. Don was born to the late Leslie and Veronica (Sabeske) Whiting and grew up in the village of North Syracuse before moving to the Valley area of Syracuse. He was a 1948 graduate of Central Tech High School and received his Associate’s degree in Electronics.

Don was a true patriot with a deep seated belief in “God and Country.” His military career began when he joined the NYANG 174^th Fighter Wing based at Hancock Air Field in 1950. Always proud to be with “The Boys of Syracuse”, his fascination with electronics lent itself well to become a guru of avionics. He attained the rank of Senior Master Chief, as the branch chief the highest rank an enlisted man can achieve. He was activated to duty in 1961 during the Berlin Crisis and again in 1968 during the incident of the USS Pueblo in North Korea. His duties included flight time as a radar technician and serving as Base Chaplin. He was instrumental in orchestrating alumni memorial activities on the base for those who had served. In 1987, he received the Air Force Associate Chief Master Sergeant Dick Red Award for Air National Guard Maintenance. In his off time, Don dabbled in electronic projects including building the first Heath kit color television in the Syracuse area.

Don became an Ordained Deacon in 1979 at St. Margaret’s Church with the Syracuse Diocese. His ministry was focused on the aged and bereavement. He performed many weddings, baptisms, and funerals including his own family as well as delivering homilies at the weekend Masses for over 40 years.

In addition to his parents, Don was predeceased by his brother, Kenneth Whiting.

Don is survived by his wife of 68 years, the former Joan (Berry); three children, Mark (Pamela) Whiting of Watertown, Scott B. Whiting of Brewerton, and Melissa (David) Anderson of Carlsbad, CA; ten grandchildren: Kimberly Oles, Kristi Brubaker, Kelly Whiting, Ali Kascsak, Missy Whiting, Angela Guerra, Sierra Whiting, Emily Pitts, Carl Anderson, and Mark Anderson; five great grandchildren: Neva Oles, Corbin Oles, Rowan Guerra, Lillian Pitts, and Charlotte Pitts; two nieces and a nephew.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Don’s memory may be made to North Area Meals on Wheels, 413 Church St., North Syracuse, NY 13212.