Obituary of Douglas W. Whitney

Douglas W. Whitney, 86, longtime Fairport resident died peacefully at home on Wednesday, April 23, of glioblastoma multiforme, diagnosed in April, 2019. In the 84 years Doug lived in Fairport, he and his wife, Jean, lived on Dewey Avenue for nearly 58 of them. For five decades Doug was a general practice attorney in Fairport, and was known to many as the “Country Lawyer.” 

Doug attended Fairport Public Schools through 11th grade. He graduated from Frankfurt American High School (Germany, 1956), Dartmouth College (1960), and the University of Michigan Law School (1963). Doug married his childhood sweetheart, Jean Hutchings in 1963. An active duty First Lieutenant in the US Army from 1964 - 1966, Doug was a Vietnam Veteran. 

“A great place to live,” Fairport played an integral role throughout Doug’s life. He served as Village Justice, Village Attorney, and Chair of the Perinton Ethics Board. Doug was a lifetime member of the First Congregational Church of Fairport and served on the Perinton Historical Society Board of Trustees. He was elected to the Fairport High School Wall of Fame as a Community Activist in its inaugural class in 1998. Doug was a 55-year member of the Fairport Rotary Club, a Paul Harris Fellow, and always “Put Service Above Self.” 

Douglas is survived by his wife and best friend, Jean, their daughters Susan Woindrich (Cedric), Sarah Allum (Gareth), Ann Johnston (Bobby), and their nine grandchildren Alexandre (Robin), Marie (Remy), and Benjamin (Zuzia) Woindrich, Olivia and Lucy Allum, Liam, Grayden, Kieran, and Kade Johnston. He is survived by his brother Stephen Whitney, his sister Janet Whitney Ulrich, and many nieces and nephews. Doug is predeceased by his parents Charles and Grace Buck Whitney. 

Ever positive and jovial, Doug had a gift for making whomever he was with feel special, respected, and seen. His greatest loves were serving his clients, his lifelong community, and spending time with Jean, their children, grandchildren, as well as family and friends from all eras of his life. A life-long learner, Doug was an avid reader, passionate about American history and the United States Supreme Court. He was always keen to travel and thrived on meeting new people and old friends.

Doug asked that to honor him, hug someone you love. 

Calling hours will be held at Harloff Funeral Home, 803 South Washington Street, East Rochester on Saturday, April 26, from 2:00 - 5:00 pm. A memorial service will be scheduled for a later date. Doug will be interred at the Columbarium in the First Congregational Church, Fairport where he may listen to the bells and beautiful choral and organ music for eternity. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to Wilmot Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 278996, Rochester, NY 14627-8996 for Brain Cancer Research or the First Congregational Church, Endowment Fund.