Obituary of Duane H. Whitaker

Duane H. Whitaker of Summitville, a retired Det. Sgt. with the Town of Ramapo Police Dept., died on October 3, 2016 in Roscoe, NY. He was 84 years of age. The son of the late Murray F. Whitaker and Stella Hartz Whitaker, he was born September 24, 1932 in Campbell Hall. Duane was a veteran of the Korean War serving in the United States Army. He was a former member of the Spring Valley and the Town of Ramapo Police Depts., retiring from the Town of Ramapo Police as a Det. Sargent after 30 years of service, and during his career he received many civilian and police awards. Most recently he was a court officer for the Town of Mamakating Justice Court. He was a member of the Mamakating American Legion Post #1266, the Town of Ramapo and Rockland County PBA and was also a life member of the National Rifle Association. At the time of his death, he was a member of the Summitville Fire Company No. 1 where he served as Capt. of the fire police, President and Fire Commissioner. On March 5, 1955 at the First Presbyterian Church in Ridgewood, NJ, he married the love of his life, Lois M. Thoma of Westwood, NJ, who survives him at home in Summitville. Also surviving are his three children: Irene D'arcangelo, Doreen Ulco and Paul Whitaker; and four grandchildren: Jonathan, Bradley, Kimberly and Kristin. Family and friends are invited to gather on Sunday, October 9 from 3-6pm at the VanInwegen-Kenny, Inc. Funeral Home, 111 Sullivan Street in Wurtsboro. His funeral service will be held on Monday, October 10th at 11am at the funeral home. Burial with military honors will follow at the Bloomingburg Rural Cemetery. Memorial contributions can be made to a charity of one's choice. Arrangements under the direction of the VanInwegen-Kenny, Inc. Funeral Home of Wurtsboro. For additional information or to send an online condolence, please visit www.kennyfuneralhome.com .