Kenneth M. "Punk" Whitmore Jr.

ORANGE- It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of our beloved father, Kenneth M. Whitmore, affectionately known as "Punk," who left us suddenly at his home on July 17, 2024, at the age of 72. 

Kenny was born in Greenfield, Massachusetts, on October 16, 1951, to Kenneth M. Whitmore Sr and Hazel Louise (Smith) Whitmore. He grew up in Orange, attending local schools. Following his education, he dove headfirst into his passion for cars. He spent years working alongside his father for the family business, Whitmore's Junk Yard, and eventually became the owner of Red Barn Auto. He was a familiar face at Monadnock Speedway, where he loved racing. He also enjoyed working on cars for friends and family and never missed a Sunday NASCAR race. His passion for racing and fast cars was passed down to all of his children, who enjoyed years of growing up racing cars around the junkyard. 

He was a man of immense humor and wisdom, cherishing every moment spent with his loved ones. He was always surrounded by friends and laughter. Growing up, I remember the revolving door of friends and family stopping by the shop or spending time telling stories on the back porch. He was known as 'Punk' for his rebellious spirit and love of pushing boundaries, whether it was on the racetrack or just in everyday life. He always had a twinkle in his eye and a smile on his face, even when he was up to something.  

He loved his family immensely and enjoyed taking care of them. He is survived by his children: Kenneth Whitmore and his wife Jessica of Orange, Massachusetts; David Whitmore and his fiancée Samantha Piragis of Orange,MA; Kristina Moineau and her husband, Jason, of Aldie, Virginia; Kelly Collins of Vermont; Jeremy Whitmore of Connecticut; K; Karlie Whitmore of Orange, MA; and his beloved dog, Jack. A former wife of 33 years, Kathy Whitmore of Orange; He is also survived by his siblings: Mary Walker of Erving, MA; Bruce St.John and his wife, Sherrie, of Orange, MA; Shirley Allen of Orange, MA; and sister-in-law, Jean Whitmore of Dudley, MA. He leaves behind 10 cherished grandchildren, one great-grandchild, and several nephews and nieces.

He was predeceased by his father in 1996, his mother in 2014, his brother Charlie 2016 and his beloved son, Joshua, in 1997.

There are no calling hours 

A graveside service will be held at South Cemetery, 585 South Main Street, Orange, on  Saturday, July 27th  at 10:00 AM.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday July 27th from 1:00-4:00PM at Franco-American National Club, 592 South St, Athol, MA 01331.

Witty’s Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange, is assisting the family.

Guest book online at WWW.WITTYFUNERALHOME.COM

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