Saratoga Springs, NY- Dr. John E. Whitney, 92, of Saratoga Springs NY and East Wakefield, N.H. died on Monday, October 9, 2023 at Saratoga Hospital.

"Jack" was born on April 19, 1931, in Glen Cove, N.Y. and was raised in nearby Sea Cliff. He was the son of Edward and Sarah Whitney (Deveraux) and a loving brother to his sole sibling, Joan, all of whom pre- deceased him.

After graduating from Sea Cliff High School in 1949, Jack joined the U.S. Air Force rising to the rank of Staff Sargent while serving in an intelligence capacity. He was stationed at RAF Burtonwood in England as well as the U.S. Embassy in Rome. Upon returning to the states, he attended the State University of New York at New Paltz on the G.I. bill where he earned bachelor's and master's degrees in education. He would later go on to receive his doctorate.

Jack began his career in the early 1960's in Huntington, Long Island, first as a sixth-grade teacher and later principal of Woodbury Avenue School, as principal at Village Green School and finally as principal of Finley Junior High School where he served 14 years and retired in 1986.

Jack was a man of integrity and faith and attended church every week. He also believed in community service and was a member of Saratoga Knights of Columbus.

His greatest passion was family. He was married to his true love, Jeanne, for 64 years. She passed in 2021. He was the proud father of five children: Jack, Jr (Mary Anne), Bob (Grace), Carol Sampson (Jim), Joanne Kohler (Bret) and Bill (Tina). He had 12 grandchildren, all of whom once enjoyed spending time on his lap.

Jack's other passions included thoroughbred and harness horse racing, golf, and spending time with his cherished life-long friends and relatives.

He was blessed with a great sense of humor and was an epic storyteller. He was also not shy of a good debate and could always be found on the side of the righteous.

A Mass of a Christian burial will be held on Wednesday, October 18, 2023, at 11:30 AM at St. Clements Church, 231 Lake Avenue, Saratoga Springs, N.Y. Burial will follow at Saratoga National Cemetery, 200 Duell Road, Schuylerville, NY.  Arrangements are under the direction of the William J. Burke & Sons/ Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Home, 628 N. Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Jack's name may be made to Community Hospice of Saratoga, 179 Lawrence St. Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.