Longtime Rumsonite, World War II vet, fireman and first-aider Paul O. Whitfield passed away peacefully on Dec. 10 at his home with his wife of more than 71 years by his side. He was 95.
A life member of Rumson’s Oceanic Hook & Ladder Fire Company, the Rumson Exempt Firemen’s Association and the NJ Firemen’s Association, he was also a charter member, life member and past president of the Rumson First Aid Squad.
Paul came to live his life in Rumson after serving in the U.S. Navy in World War II. He worked as a repairman for NJ Bell until his retirement. He was proud to have served in the Navy and remained committed to that service and his fellow vets throughout his life.
“Paul was proud to have served aboard the USS Picking, DD685 … and was a plank owner of the ship,” his loved ones said in his obituary. “He enjoyed attending ship reunions throughout the years, most recently in October 2019. He was a life member of the Tin Can Sailors, National Association of Destroyer Veterans, and a life member of the Tin Can Sailors Association of NJ, NJDESRON 2, Phoenix Squadron. He was also a member of the American Legion.”
In his neighboring community of Fair Haven, Paul was an active member of Christ United Methodist Church.
He is survived by: his wife Louise; his daughter, Sarah; sons and daughters-in-law, Ron and Cindi, and Jim and Robin; eight grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
He was predeceased by: his parents, George and Golden Whitfield; brother and sister-in-law, G. Lester and Carolyn Whitfield, and daughter Catherine.
A memorial gathering is planned for Saturday, Jan. 11 from 2 to 5 p.m.at Thompson Memorial Home, Red Bank followed by a service on Sunday, Jan. 12 at 2 p.m. at Christ Methodist Church in Fair Haven.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Christ Church United Methodist Memorial Fund, 300 Ridge Road, Fair Haven, NJ 07701; or, Tin Can Sailors, Inc./Desvets, PO Box 100, Somerset, MA, 02726.
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