Obituary for Robert B. Whirty
Millinocket - Robert Whirty, a longtime Millinocket resident, passed away at the Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor last year on Nov. 13 at the age of 71. Robert, who was born in New York City in 1951 to Bryant and Jean (Pye) Whirty, grew up and spent many years in Hicksville, N.Y., located on Long Island with his family. While in New York, Robert worked in the employee cafeteria at the Grumman Aerospace Corporation in Bethpage, NY. He graduated from Hicksville High School with a special education degree.
After moving with his parents to Millinocket, Robert eventually became a very familiar face around town. Robert worked practically all day, every day, in the warmer months doing yard work for local residents, and in the winter shoveling snow. He was totally dedicated to his customers. Robert was also a devoted fan and supporter of local youth and scholastic sports, particularly the teams of Stearns Jr./Sr. High School. Robert cheered the Minutemen in football and just about every other sport, but his favorite ones were girl’s basketball and softball. Over the years, Robert practically became a member of the softball team. He shagged foul balls at games, including fishing them out of the brook. He also was present to celebrate the team’s northern Maine championship with the players.
Robert also competed in Special Olympics, winning numerous medals in bowling, bocce, softball throw and one-mile walk. Robert traveled all around northern Maine, from Orono to Bangor to Brewer, to compete in the sports he loved, with pride and commitment while setting high expectations for himself and giving his coaches and fellow athletes warm nicknames. Robert was also the biggest fundraiser for the local Special Olympics organization; he criss-crossed the town on foot, selling raffle tickets door-to-door and business-to-business. He even secured a large enough donation from True Value Hardware that the local Special Olympics organization was able to purchase its own bocce court.
Robert’s passions in life also included snowmobiling and the New York Yankees. He loved the town of Millinocket and its people, and they loved him back. His friends and neighbors say he was a big part of town life. After his mother’s passing, the team at Living Innovations stepped in to help Robert manage his life. The family thanks them for all that they did for him.
Robert was preceded in death by his parents. Survivors include his brother, Edward Whirty, and sister-in-law, Patricia Whirty, of Atlantic Beach, N.C.; his cousin, Jim (Kelly) Plourde, of Millinocket; his nephews, Ryan Whirty of New Orleans, La., Nathan Whirty of Portland, Ore; and his niece, Kelly Flanagan, and her husband Tom Flanagan of Greensboro, NC; grand-nephews Patrick and Cian Flanagan; grand-niece Ashling Flanagan; and countless other friends and loved ones.
A graveside service will be held at Millinocket Cemetery on June 14 at 11:00 AM. Arrangements are by Lamson Funeral Home, Millinocket. A Celebration of Life reception and light lunch at the Millinocket Elks Lodge to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Robert’s name to Special Olympics Maine, 525 Main St Unit D, S Portland ME 04106, or at somaine.org. Messages of condolence may be expressed at Robert’s Book of Memories at www.lamsonfh.com.
After moving with his parents to Millinocket, Robert eventually became a very familiar face around town. Robert worked practically all day, every day, in the warmer months doing yard work for local residents, and in the winter shoveling snow. He was totally dedicated to his customers. Robert was also a devoted fan and supporter of local youth and scholastic sports, particularly the teams of Stearns Jr./Sr. High School. Robert cheered the Minutemen in football and just about every other sport, but his favorite ones were girl’s basketball and softball. Over the years, Robert practically became a member of the softball team. He shagged foul balls at games, including fishing them out of the brook. He also was present to celebrate the team’s northern Maine championship with the players.
Robert also competed in Special Olympics, winning numerous medals in bowling, bocce, softball throw and one-mile walk. Robert traveled all around northern Maine, from Orono to Bangor to Brewer, to compete in the sports he loved, with pride and commitment while setting high expectations for himself and giving his coaches and fellow athletes warm nicknames. Robert was also the biggest fundraiser for the local Special Olympics organization; he criss-crossed the town on foot, selling raffle tickets door-to-door and business-to-business. He even secured a large enough donation from True Value Hardware that the local Special Olympics organization was able to purchase its own bocce court.
Robert’s passions in life also included snowmobiling and the New York Yankees. He loved the town of Millinocket and its people, and they loved him back. His friends and neighbors say he was a big part of town life. After his mother’s passing, the team at Living Innovations stepped in to help Robert manage his life. The family thanks them for all that they did for him.
Robert was preceded in death by his parents. Survivors include his brother, Edward Whirty, and sister-in-law, Patricia Whirty, of Atlantic Beach, N.C.; his cousin, Jim (Kelly) Plourde, of Millinocket; his nephews, Ryan Whirty of New Orleans, La., Nathan Whirty of Portland, Ore; and his niece, Kelly Flanagan, and her husband Tom Flanagan of Greensboro, NC; grand-nephews Patrick and Cian Flanagan; grand-niece Ashling Flanagan; and countless other friends and loved ones.
A graveside service will be held at Millinocket Cemetery on June 14 at 11:00 AM. Arrangements are by Lamson Funeral Home, Millinocket. A Celebration of Life reception and light lunch at the Millinocket Elks Lodge to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Robert’s name to Special Olympics Maine, 525 Main St Unit D, S Portland ME 04106, or at somaine.org. Messages of condolence may be expressed at Robert’s Book of Memories at www.lamsonfh.com.