Thomas F Whitty, 89, of Brick, New Jersey

Tom was the devoted patriarch of his family and passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, in his home after a battle with cancer on Monday February 5, 2018.

Tom was the youngest of five children born on December 3, 1928 to Agnes and Frank Whitty. He was a native Staten Islander and settled in Oakwood with his childhood sweetheart Lorraine Skelton, who he married in 1951. Together they built a home on property purchased for $4,000 on Oak Avenue in Staten Island and raised their five children.

He attended The Mechanics Institute of Technology in New York City and also the Art Student League of New York City.

Tom served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War from 1951 - 1953. He served and traveled extensively with the Signal Corps Unit of Radio Communications.

After his distinguished service Tom became a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local Union 3 and retired in 1990 after 40 years of service. His father, former featherweight world champion Frankie "Daly" was one of the first members of the IBEW Local Union 3.

From the moment of his birth during the Great Depression, Thomas F. Whitty was infused with the luck of the Irish. He owned a motorcycle and drove a car before the age of 13. He was an exceptionally talented artist who loved to paint and draw. A truly creative person, Tom was also a talented self-taught draftsman. He had a gift for decorating, design and gardening that was truly unique. He was an astute handyman who could look at something and design a remarkable solution. He was always working on projects at one of his homes, or the homes of his children. He could be counted on to help with anything that needed to be done.

Tom enjoyed physical activity and as a member of the Staten Island Ski Club arranged several ski trips in the U.S. and Europe; he was truly a wonder to watch on the slopes. He purchased a new pair of skis on his 80th Birthday. He had an admirable amount of energy that allowed him to teach all of his children to snow ski. He reveled in reading historical novels, loved boating and bike riding. Tom played with the Cranberry Lake Golf Team in many tournaments and received several accolades; his name is memorialized on Cranberry Lake Community Club's Hole-In-One plaque.

He was a member of the Cranberry Lake Community Club where he owned a home for 43 years. He was an excellent slalom water skier and took his last trip around the lake in the summer of 2016, at 86 years old. He was most happy and completely at peace when his children, and especially his grandchildren and their friends, were enjoying the lake. He taught them all to waterski, making endless trips around the lake to ensure their success.

He had an effect on countless people; he was witty, bright, and dynamic, yet it was his contagious smile that captured all who knew him. Tom very recently said, "I’ve had a full and wonderful life". He will be remembered for his outgoing personality, his love of life, and the love and support he gave his 5 children, 10 grandchildren and their friends. Thomas F Whitty will be truly missed.

Tom is survived by his children, Thomas J. Whitty, Laurie J. Hepworth, Douglas J. Whitty, Janet S. McDanel and Sandra J. Russo and his ten grandchildren Jackie Snensky, Leslie Nash, Jesse Hepworth, Douglas Whitty, Lindsay McDanel, Christopher McDanel, Olivia McDanel, Jane Russo and Thomas Russo. He was pre-deceased by his precious granddaughter, Shannon McDanel. He is also survived by many wonderful nieces and nephews.