Rodney F. Whipple

WARWICK- Rodney Fay Whipple, 88, passed away on June 16, 2025 at home.  He was at home with his beloved wife, Helen and his brother, James from California. 

Born January 5, 1937 he was the oldest son of Fay and Nellie Whipple.  He was predeceased by his four sisters, Ruth Whipple, Hope Sterbinsky, Bess Stowell, and Eva-Rae Skinner.  He is survived by two brothers, Donald of Orange, and James of California and his son Charles and his wife Victoria and daughter Christine and her husband Martin J. Brett III.  He has three beloved grandsons, Calvin and Ethan Whipple and Shea Brett.

Rod graduated from Orange High School and entered the United States Marine Corps.  After leaving the Corps he met his wife Helen and then attended the Stockbridge School of Agriculture in Amherst where he majored in arboriculture and park management.  He joined the state Department of Natural Resources in 1967 retiring from the Department of Conservation and Recreation in 2001 after 35+ years of service.

While in state service he earned many awards including the Al Henry Award for excellent park management, and was awarded first prize in a state Park Beautification event and was rewarded with a trip to California. 

In addition, Rod was very active in his home town, Warwick.  He served as a police officer, selectman, tree warden on the town forestry committee, and was a little league baseball coach.  He was a charter and active member of the Warwick Historical Society serving as auditor.  Continuing his service to the community, in 2017 he was awarded a State Conservation Award from the Mahar Fish ‘N Game Club and was awarded the citizen of the year at the Warwick Old Home Days in 2017 for his outstanding dedication to the town of Warwick and its citizens.  In 2025, a tree was planted at the Warwick Community School honoring his many interactions with the school children in his capacity as tree warden.

He was a charter member of the Marine Corps League Division #1168 where he worked on Toys for Tots and other community projects.  In 2014 he was awarded the Roger M. Carey Award in appreciation and gratitude for his community work and meritorious service in the interests and traditions of the Marine Corps League. 

As a member of the Trinitarian Church of Warwick, he served a moderator, deacon, on the Ways and Means Committee and a Sunday School Teacher.  He was instrumental in acquiring the church bell that graces the lawn of the Metcalf Chapel. 

The family would like to thank the Overlook Visiting Nurse Association Home Care and Hospice for their many visits and kindness. 

Calling hours will be held June 29, 2025 from 2-4 p.m. at Witty’s Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange.

A memorial service will be at the Warwick Church- Metcalf Chapel, 32 Athol Road, Warwick, June 30, 2025 at 11 a.m.

Interment will be in the Warwick Center Cemetery after the memorial service.

Following interment, a celebration of his life will be at the Warwick Town Hall. 

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

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