Gerald “Candy” Smith Whittier,
Gerald “Candy” Smith Whittier, 75, of Haverhill, husband of Patricia E. (Locke) Whittier, passed away Thursday, July 30, at Methuen Health and Rehabilitation Center surrounded by his family.
Born in Haverhill, he was the son of the late Frederick C. and Bernice Luella “Lu” (Smith) Whittier. He attended Haverhill public schools. A Vietnam Veteran, he served in the U. S. Army in the Panama Canal Zone.
Whittier pursued his dream as he was born to be a firefighter, he was a firefighter for the city of Haverhill and served his community for 29 years retiring in 1996. He and his wife enjoyed wintering in Florida. He was an animal lover, especially his dogs. Whittier was a collector of Triumph motorcycles and enjoyed spending time on the road riding. He also enjoyed tinkering on his classic Chevrolet El Camino.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his daughter, Karen Jean Whittier of Haverhill; two granddaughters, Brianna and Veronica Greenlaw; brother; Alan Whittier and his wife Carol of Derry, N.H.; sister, Jean Tolman and her husband James of Georgetown; and several nieces and nephews.
Friends and family are invited to calling hours Tuesday, Aug. 4, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Kevin B. Comeau Funeral Home, 486 Main St., Haverhill. Funeral services will immediately follow the visiting hours at 7 p.m. Memorial donations may be made in his name to the Haverhill Fire Dept. Relief Fund, 75 Kenoza Ave. Haverhill, MA 01830, or the Haverhill Firefighter’s Museum, 75 Kenoza Ave. Haverhill, MA 01830.