Obituary of Paul A. Whitney

After a lengthy illness, Paul Alvin Whitney, of Leeds, NY, passed away on Sunday, October 27, 2024, in Albany, NY, at the age of 77.

Paul was born on November 24,1946, in Schenectady, NY. He grew up in Rotterdam, NY, graduating from Draper High School in 1964. Upon graduating, Paul enlisted in the US Navy. He served aboard the USS Mills for four years as a welder and completed two world cruises, crossing the equator twice and accomplishing the distinguished title of "Shellback." After his four-year term, in the fall of 1968 Paul reenlisted in the Navy and served in the US Seabees Naval Construction Forces, spending time in Vietnam repairing bridges and buildings.

In 1971, Paul moved his family to Norfolk, VA, and started a maintenance business. He returned to Schenectady in 1978, where he joined the Local Ironworkers Union and helped finish the Empire State Plaza in Albany. He later worked at CONDEC in Schenectady as one of their top welders, creating trails for Howitzer cannons at the Watervliet Arsenal. When CONDEC closed, Paul worked at Schenectady ARC, in maintenance and custodial. Prior to his retirement, he worked as a maintenance supervisor for Guilderland School District.

Paul loved camping, boating, and waterskiing with his family and friends at Sacandaga Lake and eventually bought a camp there for everyone to enjoy. He especially enjoyed hunting, fishing, and competing in archery tournaments. In the mid-1970s Paul took the title of West Virginia's Indoor Champion. He proudly shared his love of these sports with his children. He loved supporting his grandchildren, whether it be celebrating football wins or wrestling takedowns, going fishing, watching band and choir performances, or sharing birthday and holiday meals.

Paul was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Days Saints, serving in many capacities, most recently as Branch President of the Greenville Branch. He found joy in serving others and was always willing to lend a helping hand. Paul also loved the temple. He and his wife served regularly as temple workers in the Hartford Connecticut Temple.

Paul is predeceased by his parents, George Alvin Whitney and Adele Bickering Aunchman; sister Katherine Lowery; and a beloved granddaughter, Kelsey Grace Whitney. He is survived by his wife, Sheri Whitney; his daughter Suzanne Brooksby; his sons Todd Whitney and Eric Whitney; stepsons John L. Webb, Jr., Jared Webb (Ashton) and stepdaughter, Michelle Jenson (Daniel); and his sister Marie Baldwin (Terry), sister Christina Rogers (John), brother Bernard Aunchman (Louisa); and many nieces and nephews. Paul is also survived by 14 grandchildren: Marcus, Mitchel, Rob, Stacy, Emma, Bradley, Matthew, Adalia, Everly, Carter, Abigail, Madeleine, Eva, and Blake.

Visitation will be held at A.J. Cunningham Funeral Home, in Greenville, NY on Wednesday, October 30 from 5-7 pm. Funeral Service will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2010 County Route 41, Greenville, NY on Thursday, October 31, at 10 a.m. followed by burial in Saratoga National Cemetery at 2 p.m.  In lieu of flowers, a memorial donation to the charity of your choice will be appreciated.  Condolence messages may be posted at ajcunninghamfh.com.