DELHI - Joseph Edgar Whittaker was born on Sept. 19, 1929 and passed away peacefully on May 15, 2021. He was born on Main Street in Delhi, to the late Joseph Whittaker and Susan (Crampton) Whittaker of Clonbologue, Ireland and Delhi.

Joe attended grade school in the one-room schoolhouse on Federal Hill and graduated from Delaware Academy Central School in 1947.

Joe married Elaine Kay Rannikko of Gardner, Massachusetts, on Aug. 21, 1954.

He was a lifelong member of St. John's Episcopal Church and was senior warden there for many years. He was the owner/operator of Jo-El Farm, Registered Holsteins, and a longtime member of the National Holstein Association and Delaware County Holstein Club, having served on the club's board of directors. He also served on the Delaware County Dairy Princess Committee. Joe was a member of Cornell Cooperative Extension and at one time served on the board of directors. Joe was for many years a director of 4-H Camp Shankitunk. He was on the Delaware County Holstein Club Honor Roll and served on the Town of Delhi Grievance Committee.

Joe was predeceased by his parents, Joseph and Susan Whittaker; brother and sister-in-law, Albert and Margaret (Aiken) Whittaker; sister and brother-in-law, Edward and Ethel (Whittaker) Smith; and infant son, Joseph Paul Whittaker.

Survivors include his wife of 66 years, Elaine; sons, Thomas and Sandra (Collins) Whittaker, Eric and Katherine (Busby) Whittaker and Edward and Tina (Miller) Whittaker and daughter, Nancy (Whittaker) and Thomas Smith. He was a wonderful grandfather to his seven grandchildren, Kelley (Whittaker) and James Quarino, Sean Whittaker and Victoria (Sardis), Jamie (Whittaker) and Juan Canteli, Brian Whittaker, Nathan and Kelsey (Wright) Whittaker, Alexander Whittaker and Joelle Marie Smith. He adored and was grateful for the time he spent with his six great-grandchildren, Connor Quarino, Boston Quarino, Kennedy-Jo Quarino, Saxonryder Whittaker, Kadence Elaine Whittaker and Remington James Whittaker.

Joe's interests included square dancing, country music, farm auctions, travels to Canada, Western USA, the East Coast, as well as six times to Europe visiting relatives in Ireland, England and Finland. Joe and Elaine also traveled to Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Iceland, and spent a day in Venice.

Of all the accomplishments Joe had in his life, his greatest pride and joy was the family he created with Elaine. Nothing made him prouder than watching his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren have the same success within their families. They were a true testament of the commitment and love he shared with Elaine.

A private funeral Mass will be held on May 21, at St. John's Episcopal Church with interment immediately following in Woodland Cemetery. There will be no calling hours per his wishes.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to 4-H Camp Shankitunk, Delhi, NY and/or St. John's Episcopal Church, Delhi, NY.

Cards of condolence may be sent to Mrs. Elaine Whittaker, 2020 Federal Hill, Delhi, NY.

Share online condolences at www.macarthurfh.com.