Charles Whitmore

DUDLEY – Charles W. Whitmore, 63, died Friday, November 11, 2016, in his home surrounded by his family, after a courageous battle with cancer. He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Jean M. (Barnes) Whitmore of Dudley; two daughters, Jessica M. Cardillo and her husband John of Jefferson, and Julie A. Morin and her husband David of Dudley; a brother, Kenneth Whitmore Jr. of Orange; two sisters, Mary Walker and her husband Douglas of Erving, and Shirley Allen of Orange; his step-sister, Chris Braley of Jefferson; four grandchildren, Nicholas Cardillo and Allison Cardillo, both of Jefferson, and Sean Olson and Lindsay Vo, both of Dudley; several nephews and nieces, and many close friends. He was predeceased by his step-brother, Craig Autio. He was born in Athol, son of the late Kenneth M. Whitmore and Hazel L. (Smith) Gardner, and lived in Oxford for 26 years before moving to Dudley 12 years ago. He graduated from Mahar Regional High School in Orange in 1971 and received his Associate’s degree from Quinsigamond Community College.

Mr. Whitmore was a truck driver for 18 years at A. Duie Pyle in Northboro, retiring in 2014. Previously, he drove for Merritt Transportation in Worcester for 20 years. He attended Oak Hill Bible Church in Oxford. Mr. Whitmore enjoyed vacationing with his family, attending his grandchildren’s sporting events and activities, camping, canoeing, and was a fan of the Red Sox and Patriots. He walked the Boston Marathon several times in support of the Jimmy Fund, and always supported cancer research to prevent others from suffering the effects of cancer.

The family would like to thank the doctors and nurses at Dana Farber Cancer Institute in Boston for their exceptional care, as well as the nurses at the VNA Care Hospice for their compassion and assistance during his illness.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, November 18, 2016, at Paradis-Givner Funeral Home, 357 Main St., Oxford. Burial will be private at a later date. Calling hours are Thursday, November 17, 2016, from 5-8 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute/The Jimmy Fund, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284, or to Oak Hill Bible Church, 40 Sacarrappa Rd., Oxford, MA 01540.