Edwin Walter Whitmore

Edwin W. Whitmore, 95, of Juno Beach, Florida and formerly of Avon, Connecticut, devoted husband of 35 years to Luann (Lewis) Harvey Whitmore, passed away May 27, 2019. He was predeceased in 1981 by his first wife of 36 years, Betty Belle (Mullendore) Whitmore, and his parents, Walter S. Whitmore and Christine (Heist) Whitmore of Hagerstown, MD. Besides his wife, Luann, he is survived by four children and two step children and their spouses: Lynn (Whitmore) Ramsburg and husband Richard of Oakton, VA; Charles E, Whitmore and his wife Vikki of Timonium, MD; HB Whitmore and his wife Ann of Lancaster, VA; Rev. Paul D. Whitmore and his wife Rev. Laura of Southport, CT; J. Philip Harvey and his wife Renee of Innsbrook, MO; and Ann (Harvey) Carey and her husband Daniel of Granby, CT. He also leaves 15 grandchildren: Austin Ramsburg, Abby Gwaltney and husband Jason; Kate Bach and husband Eric; Tyler Whitmore and wife Ashley; Amy McIntosh and her husband Ami, Samuel Whitmore, Scott Whitmore, Aleigha Whitmore, Audra Whitmore, Parker Whitmore, Thomas Harvey, Jack Harvey, James Carey and his wife Amy, Jonathan Carey and his wife Crystal, Michaela Carey and seven great grandchildren: Harper and Harrison Bach; Kenia, Keira, Carter, and Jacob Gwaltney; and Landon Whitmore. Edwin was predeceased by brother John Whitmore of Hagerstown, MD, brother, R. Marcus Whitmore, and sister, Ellen (Whitmore) Cordray.

Following graduation from Hagerstown High School and two terms at Drexel Institute of Technology, Philadelphia, he served in World War II as a pilot in the U. S. Army Air Corps and flew the B-24 Liberator and the B-29 Super Fortress bombers on training missions in the United States. After the war, he married his high school sweetheart, Betty Mullendore and returned to Drexel (now Drexel University) in Philadelphia, where he earned a degree in Civil Engineering. He was employed by Factory Insurance Association as a Loss Prevention Engineer and retired forty years later as Senior Vice President of Industrial Risk Insurers, Hartford, CT, where he had the responsibility for all claims operations worldwide. He also had responsibility for property claims of Canadian Industrial Risk Insurers, Toronto Canada and American Nuclear Insurers, Farmington, CT. Following retirement he was called upon to participate in arbitrations of major claims for various insurance companies and appeared in court as an expert witness on insurance matters in the United States and Canada. He also found time for golf, tennis and traveled extensively with Luann. He loved to be with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was a member of West Avon Congregational Church, and former member of Loss Executives Association and Farmington Woods Golf Club and served on various committees with his Condominiums in Juno Beach, Florida and Farmington Woods, Connecticut.

Ed was known for his wry wit, his ethics, integrity, fairness, thoughtfulness, pragmatism, grace and deep caring for his family and friends. The word most often used to describe him, whether it be by friends, a business associate, or an acquaintance, was "gentleman". Everyone who encountered him respected him. All were amused at his ability to make a quick joke out of any situation, and importantly, to turn the tables and have a sense of humor about himself. He displayed those traits right to the end, always ready to share a few facts that he took the time and interest to learn about the healthcare providers who were helping him, and to tease or make a light joke to make everyone feel more comfortable. A strong mentor to his children and extended family, he will be deeply missed."

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to West Avon Congregational Church, 280 Country Club Road, Avon, CT 06001 or Hartford Foundation For Public Giving, 10 Columbus Blvd., 8th floor, Hartford, CT 06106.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM at West Avon Congregational Church on June 6, 2019.