John J. ("Jack") Whiteley, 97, son of the late Thomas and Florida (Gamache) Whiteley, died on August 25, 2022 in Suffield, CT, after a brief illness. Jack grew up in the Thompsonville section of Enfield and worked through his teens at his father's confectionary store near the Bigelow-Sanford carpet mill, honing his milkshake-making skills and acquiring a life-long love of sweets and socializing. He enlisted in the United States Navy in 1943, at age 17, and served in the Pacific Theater as a radioman on the USS Starlight, earning several stars and commendations, including the Victory Medal at the end of the war. After his discharge, he returned to Thompsonville and began working for Harold Moore at the Moore Rug Co. on Enfield Street. Jack married his high school sweetheart, Dorothy ("Dot") Kiernan, in 1946, and they shared 67 wonderful years together until her passing in 2013. They raised four sons. In 1960, Jack purchased the Moore Rug Co. and then worked tirelessly with Dot at his side to build a successful business frequented by shoppers from Connecticut and Massachusetts, all familiar with the motto Jack created for the store: "our reputation is your guarantee." A long-time member of the Enfield Rotary Club, Jack was also a founder and initial board member of the New England Bank and Trust, where he remained on the Board for many years. In addition to his business interests, Jack helped establish the St. Martha Parish in Enfield, maintaining a years-long friendship with the late Fr. O'Connell, the first and long-time pastor of the parish. Jack treasured his faith, family, and many friends, and he had countless fond memories of his time with all of them – at the Cape, on the golf course, out for walks, and most especially attending his children and grandchildren's sporting events, concerts, and theater performances. From his days at the soda fountain through the years at the family home on Birchwood Road in Enfield, there was nothing he enjoyed more than a Fourth of July celebration, and following in his father's footsteps, he oversaw quite a few firework displays in honor of the country he served so proudly. Jack leaves his three sons and their spouses: Jack and Helene of Los Alto, CA; Robert and Pam of East Longmeadow, MA; Brian and Kim of Upton, MA; and his daughter-in-law Heidi, of Somers, CT. He is pre-deceased by his son, Kevin. He also leaves seven loving grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren: Jennifer (her spouse, Jan, and their children, Jack and Linnea); Katie Cormier (her spouse, Jon, and their children, Evie, Asa, and Wes); Liz; Evyn (and her fiancé, Xander Shaw); Connor (his spouse, Jennifer, and their children, Emily and Jack); and Hannah and Jack. Although pre-deceased by his brother, Thomas, Jack leaves his loving sister, Irene Fitzpatrick of West Springfield, MA, his beloved brother, William ("Billy"), and Billy's wife Rosalie, in Enfield, CT, and many cherished nieces and nephews. Relatives and friends may gather with his family during calling hours on Tuesday, August 30, 2022 from 9:00 to 11:00 am at Browne Memorial Chapels, Enfield, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30 am in St. Michael Parish 128 Maple St. E. Longmeadow, MA. Interment will take place in St. Patrick's King St. Cemetery, Enfield. Memorial donations may be made to CT Special Olympics, Attn: Kristen Mengold 2666 State St. Suite #1 Hamden, CT 06517-2232. To leave an online condolence message for the family visit: www.brownememorialchapels.com.
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