Ralph Whiting - Roberson Funeral Home

Ralph Whiting

December 2, 1918 - February 16, 2013

Ralph Q. Whiting, Jr., 94, of Port Charlotte, Florida, formerly of Massachusetts and Ohio, passed away Saturday, February 16, 2013 in Port Charlotte.

Ralph was born on December 2, 1918 in West Upton, Massachusetts to Dorothy (nee-Decrow) and Ralph Q. Whiting. He graduated from Fitchburg State Teachers College in Fitchburg, MA with a degree in Industrial Arts, and was married to his first wife, Hilda Smith. Following graduation, he joined the U.S. Army Air Corp. and served his country during World War II from 1943 – 1946. After the war, he was employed with Howland Local Schools as a Graphic Arts Teacher for 23 years in Warren, Ohio. He then met and later married his wife, Paula Jo Marshall, on July 14, 1978.

He left public education and was the owner and operator of Howland Letter Service for 26 years in Cortland, Ohio. Retiring in 1994, Ralph and Paula moved to Port Charlotte in 2000 from Ohio. He was a member of the Howland Classroom Teachers Association and is a present member of the Retired Howland Classroom Teachers as well as a past member of the Ohio Education Association. He is a past member of the Great Lakes Cruising Club and Howland United Methodist Church.

He is survived by his wife, Paula Jo Whiting; children, daughter Merralee Whiting Durst, and sons, Ralph Q. Whiting III, and Robert G. Whiting; grandchildren, Joelle Blessing (Michael) Mowry, Gregory B. Blessing, Robert, Branden, Adelynn, Molly, and Walter Sutton Whiting; great-grandchildren, Laurenne Mowry (Michael) LoVullo, and Hannah Joy Mowry; step-grandchildren, Scott (Michelle) Durst, and Jennifer Durst (Bob) Kirby; step-great-grandchildren, Alexis and Kayla Kirby; a sister, Eleanor Waterfield, and nephew, Peter Waterfield.

No public services are planned. A private committal will be held at a later date. Memorial donations are suggested to Tidewell Hospice, Inc., and or the Nicole Wilcox Foundation.

Arrangements are by Roberson Funeral Home & Crematory Port Charlotte Chapel.

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Ralph Q. Whiting, Jr., 94, of Port Charlotte, Florida, formerly of Massachusetts and Ohio, passed away Saturday, February 16, 2013 in Port Charlotte. Ralph was born on December 2, 1918 in West Upton, Massachusetts to Dorothy (nee-Decrow) and Ralph Q. Whiting. He graduated from Fitchburg State Teachers College in Fitchburg, MA with a degree in…

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Dear Paula, So very sorry to hear of your loss, thoughts and prayers are with you and the family. Clara Comstock Pitser From Results

Paula, David always spoke highly of you and Ralph. I was sorry to read of Ralph's passing. While words are inadequate, I am nevertheless sending you my sympathy and support at this difficult time. Fondly, Mary El'Hatton

I am so sorry Paula. You are I my thoughts and prayers.

Our group,Howland Schools Retired Personnel, wishes to extend deepest condolences to Paula and to Ralph's entire family at this time of loss. Many who attend the monthly meetings here in Ohio as well as those on the mailing list who live all over the U.S. remember both Ralph and Paula. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Ralph was always supportive of me when I coached Ralph 111 in football and basketball, a great enthusiastic father at the games and of his children. He found numerous ways to help me as a teacher through his print shop and he contibuted to all of the staff. Paula, Palph worked with many students who were not always the easiest to get along with, but he helped them learn many vocational skills, good manners, self-discipline, and personal pride. Simply put, he was a good teacher and person. Know that Jean and I are thinking of you during these difficult times..

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Paula, I am so sorry. I did student teaching with Ralph, and learned a great deal from him and now my son, David, is a graphic artist in San Diego, California. Ralph, Don Cuff and my mom were the same age and now they are together once again. I am happy for him that the obstacles of old age are no longer keeping him down and he can soar with the angels. God bless you Paula.

Paula, I am sending my deepest sympathies to you. Ralph was such a valuable member of the Howland High School family. I have fond memories of him and of you and of the love story that developed between you so many years ago. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Love, Gina Petrich

We are the son and daughter-in-law of Jerry Cook, a long-time printing friend of Ralph's. The two men used to really burn the "midnight oil" on some of those more difficult printing jobs. We are sorry to learn of Ralph's passing. We always enjoyed New England accent. He was a wonderful friend of our father(-in-law).

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.