Neil H. Whiteley, a United Stated Marine, passed away Jan. 4, 2005 after a long illness at his home in Parker, Fl. A long time resident of Osterville, Ma., he was born April 4, 1934 at 258 Tower Hill Rd. Osterville, Ma. to the late Florence M. and Elmer S. Whiteley, life long residents of the Osterville community. Neil was a baptized Christian of the Protestant faith.
A quiet man of deep conviction and compassion, he spent many hours helping others, offering sympathy and encouragement to those in distress. His empathy with children made him a beloved favorite of his grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
He attended Osterville Grammar School and Barnstable High School and selected early graduation in 1952 to enlist in the United States Marine Corps. He was trained as an aircraft crew chief and served in Korea. Upon discharge from the Corps. he was employed by the Osterville Water Dept. and later in the construction field working on several major construction projects throughout the Cape.
Neil or “Piker”, as many called him was an avid sports fan and a dedicated supporter of the Red Sox, Bruins, Celtics and the New England Patriots as well as local teams. He participated in football, base ball and basket ball both during his childhood and in high school and was a member of the 1951 undefeated Barnstable Red Raider football team. He later trained for and participated in the senior category of triathlons. Hunting with his friends was one of his favorite pastimes.
Due to a heart condition, he moved to Parker, Fl in 1995, returning to the Cape during the summers to reconnect with family and friends
He was a member of the VFW, AMVETS, American Legion, and the Osterville Veterans Assoc. He was instrumental in reorganizing the Marine Corps League Det. #65 in Callaway, Fl. where he served as Commandant and Senior and Junior Vice.
Neil is survived by four daughters: Susan Whiteley of Cambridge, Ma., Judy Goodman of Canton, Ma., Jane Jackimowitz of Sandwich, Ma., and Paige Tivnon of Sandwich, Ma.; five grandchildren; Cole and Cameron Goodman, Taylor and Connor Jackimowitz and Remy Tivnon; his sisters: Beverley Griffin of Wilton, Me, Eleanor Davis of Panama City, Fl., Florence Binkowitz of E. Weymouth, Ma.; a devoted friend Jan Lowe and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. He is preceded in death by his parents and older sister Patricia Pond of Wilton, Me.
Honorary pallbearers include; Bud Davis, Derek Davis, Carleton Crocker, T.J. Burchell, Archie Schwarztrauber, Ted Tonissen, Warren Bober, Bill McIntyre, Frank Oakley, Norman Dias, Roy Brahier, Members of the “Foxhole”, the MCL Det#65, and the 1951 BHS football team.
