Ralph A Whitney

Ralph A. Whitney, 86, of Rotterdam passed away on Sunday January 6, 2013 at Ellis Hospital in Schenectady with his family at his side. Ralph was born in Newark, NJ on January 26, 1926. He was the son of Nelson J. Whitney and Florence Knight. He is a graduate of Amenia, NY High School and Blair Academy, NJ. During World War II he was a member of the US Army Air Corp in 1944-1945. He then attended Cortland State Teacher's College graduating in 1949.Ralph began his teaching career at the Brookville School on Long Island, though he spent most of his career in the neighboring Cold Spring Harbor Central School District. When the district built its first high school he was appointed Athletic Director. In recognition of Ralph's popularity and length of service, the School's athletic complex was named after him upon his retirement. He loved coaching soccer and was helpful with the development of the sport on Long Island in the 1960's and 1970's. His run of success included a period of 25 years with no losing seasons, 15 championships and 3 New York State titles. In retirement Ralph joined the faculty of the Munich International School and spent three years in Germany. Upon his return he became a part-time resident of Stuart, Florida and New York's Capital District, including Duanesburg and the West Hill neighborhood of Rotterdam. He is survived by his wife of 65 years Claire ( Bessette) Whitney ; daughter Joy France and husband Thomas of Rotterdam, NY; sons Brian Whitney of Westbury, NY; Mark Whitney of Rincon, PR; and Matthew Whitney of Asheville, NC. He also has six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.A Mass of Christian Death and Burial will be celebrated Friday 11AM at Our Lady Queen of Peace Church 210 Princetown Road Rotterdam. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. Inurnment will be in the Gerald B. H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery in Schuylerville in the spring. The family will celebrate Ralph's life with a picnic in Saratoga, NY in June 2013 at a date to be determined. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations can be made to Mary's Shelter PO Box 958 Stuart, FL 34995.Arrangements are by the Bond Funeral Home Broadway and Guilderland Avenue Schenectady.