Obituary of Chester C. Whittam Sr.

Dateline: Schenectady

Chester C. Whittam Sr., age 93, of Zelienople, P.A., formerly of Schenectady, N.Y., passed away on March 20,2023 at his home.

Born in Schenectady, N.Y. on March 15, 1930, he was the son of the late Herbert and Emma Kircher Whittam.

Chester proudly defended his country in the United States Marine Corps during the Korean War serving as Sergeant.

After the Marine Corps, he was a self-employed Master Carpenter and craftsman. Building countless numbers of homes to perfection sometimes by himself. It wasn’t worth doing if it wasn't done right.  His motto was “you’re either Whittam or without em’”  

Chester married his beloved wife Lisabeth “Lis” M. Whittam on October 1, 1950, at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church in Schenectady, where he was a long-time communicant. Together they shared 70 years until her passing in 2019.

Chester enjoyed hunting, fishing, deer camp, and casino trips. One could often find him cooking enough Italian food to feed an army and enjoying a light beer.

Chester known to all as Papa, he loved his family beyond measure and he cherished every moment with them.

Left to cherish his memory are his children Paul (Carol) Whittam, Chester (Laurie) Whittam Jr., Joseph (Denise) Whittam, Michael (Phyllis) Whittam, and Lisa (Michael) O’Brien. He is also survived by his 11 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, his sister-in-law Cristina Rachiele and niece Debbie (Ed) Olsen and family.

In addition to his parents, Chester was predeceased by his beloved wife Lisabeth “Lis” Whittam and his brother Herbert Whittam Jr.

Calling hours for Chester will be held on Monday, March 27, 2023 from 5-7 pm at the Glenville Funeral Home, 9 Glenridge Road Glenville. A funeral service will be celebrated on Tuesday, March 28, 2023 at 9:30 am at the funeral home. Interment with military honors will follow at the Gerald BH Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations in Chester’s name may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas, 66675. Online condolences www.glenvillefuneralhome.com