John Barton Whitney

Loving Husband

And Father

John Barton Whitney, 72, of Attleboro, Mass., died January 11. He was diagnosed with multiple myeloma and end stage kidney disease in early November. Born January 13, 1936, John was the son of John and Kathryn Whitney. He was a resident of Newtown for 24 years before moving to Attleboro in 1997.

Mr Whitney worked for 33 years as chief chemist for Handy & Harman in Fairfield and Attleboro, and as chief chemist for Gannon and Scott in Warwick, R.I., until his retirement in 2006. He was an active member of the International Precious Metals Institute. Mr Whitney was well-respected for his integrity, innovative methods in assaying precious metals, and for teaching and sharing information on best practices industrywide.

He was very active in the United Church of Christ in Newtown (Newtown Congregational Church), where he served as a deacon, a member of the stewardship and church administrative committees, and as a Sunday school teacher, and at the UCC in Attleboro.

He was an avid gardener and, upon retirement, traveled extensively with his wife of 52 years, Marlene Lawson Whitney,

In addition to his wife, survivors include his daughters, Mary Andreotta of Sandy Hook, Elizabeth Hall, Jane Ruane, Grace Powers, and Rebecca Whitney; several grandchildren; and four sisters.

A memorial service will be held at noon, Saturday, January 17, at the Second Congregational Church, 50 Park Street, Attleboro.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to Hospice of CVNA, 141 Park Street, Attleboro MA 02703; The Salvation Army Bridges of Hope, 5 Mechanic Street, Attleboro MA 02703; or the Second Congregational Church Memorial Fund.

The Newtown Bee       January 16, 2009