William R. Whitaker, 90, of Hancock, NY, died on Thursday, September 9, 2021 at Ellen Memorial Health Care Center, Honesdale, PA, after an illness. He was born on October 1, 1930 at Read Memorial Hospital, Hancock, NY, to Arlu V. And Ruth (DeGraw) Whitaker. Bill is survived by his 6 children, Mike Whitaker, Cheryl Whitaker (Bernie), Diane (Kevin) Kilmer, Jamie Whitaker, Arlu (Judy) Whitaker, and Calvin Whitaker (Trish St. Pierre), 2 stepchildren, Russell (Lynn) Bass, and Lydia (Bill) Jones, as well as many grandchildren, great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife of 45 years, Romaine Holbert Whitaker, brother and sister in law, James and June Whitaker, sister and brother in law, Darlyn and Richard Hanrahan, grandson, Jason Whitaker, and nephew, Jeffrey Whitaker. Bill was a Korean War Veteran having served in the Navy as a machinists mate third class. He held several jobs including running a chicken farm, bus driver, and working for the union during the building of the Cannonsville Dam. He retired after working for Hancock Central School beginning as a custodian and ending as superintendent of grounds. After retirement, he and Romaine traveled and enjoyed their grandchildren. He also kept busy helping out at the French Woods Golf Course and the Hancock House and was always glad to help when any of the kids or grandkids needed a little handyman job done. Bill loved animals especially his German Shepherds. He was a big sports fan and passed his love of the Yankees and Giants onto his kids. Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, September 15, 2021 from 10AM-12PM with a funeral service following at 12PM all at the Henderson-Biedekapp Funeral Chapel, Hancock. Interment will follow in Riverview Cemetery, Hancock. A gathering will be held at the Hancock House Hotel following the interment. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Alzheimers Association at www.alz.org. Arrangements by Henderson-Biedekapp Funeral Chapel, Hancock. SERVICES Calling Hours Wednesday, September 15, 2021 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM Henderson-Biedekapp Funeral Chapel 29 EAST MAIN STREET HANCOCK, New York 13783 Funeral Service Wednesday, September 15, 2021 12:00 PM Henderson-Biedekapp Funeral Chapel 29 EAST MAIN STREET HANCOCK, New York 13783