Obituary of Philip C. Whitting

Watchung: Philip C. Whitting, age 72, longtime resident of Watchung, entered peacefully into eternal life surrounded by his family on March 20, 2015 at Overlook Medical Center in Summit. Mr. Whitting attended Union County College and Rutgers University and served in the National Guard. Prior to his retirement in 2003, he worked for the New Jersey Department of Transportation for 40 years. Philip leaves a strong handprint on the hearts of his wife, children, grandchildren, friends and members of his beloved Stonecrest Community Church. A loving, dedicated and generous man, Philip was equally funny and witty. He was a complex man of diverse interests from opera to Elvis, from drag racing to softball and volunteering with Boy Scout Troop #32 of Watchung. Assisting in Mississippi, post Katrina, had a lasting impact on Phil that left a legacy of belief and commitment. He was always doing odd jobs for family members and the church whenever called upon. Most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his friends and family, especially his grandchildren. Philip will be lovingly remembered by Dorothy, his wife of 47 years; a son Matthew Whitting, two daughters Cynthia Jelmert and Kristin Salkowski and her husband Rick all of Watchung; as well as his brother Robert Whitting of Union and sister Jeanette Thomson of Florida. He will also be fondly remembered by seven grandchildren: Madelyn Whitting, Hannah and Christopher Salkowski, Tyler, Bradley, Travis and Claudia Jelmert. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 25, 2015 at Higgins Home for Funerals, 752 Mountain Blvd., Watchung, NJ 07059 from 9:00am to 10:30. The funeral service will start at 10:30 am. The interment will be at Springdale Methodist Cemetery in Warren. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Higgins Home for Funerals. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial donations may be made to Stonecrest Community Church-Building Fund to continue his handy work in caring the for the church.