Whitney (Whit) Burgess Newcomb, Jr., age 96, passed away in Newark, Ohio on July 17, 2022, from natural causes after an active, long, and fulfilling life.
Whit was born in Jonesport, Maine, the eldest of three sons born to Captain Whitney B. Newcomb(e), Sr., of Nova Scotia, Canada, and Kathleen Lovilla Beal of Jonesport, Maine.
With his parents’ permission, he joined the Navy during World War II, becoming a signalman on the USS Baxter in the Pacific Theater. Returning to Jonesport from the war, he married Thelma Naomi Alley, the “girl next door.” After his military service, he continued his education at Husson College in Bangor, ME and Gorham State Teachers College in Gorham, ME. After graduation from Gorham State Teachers College he taught school in Berwick, ME before returning to Gorham State Teachers College as an instructor of Industrial Arts Education. As well as being a respected teacher, he was a skilled cabinet maker, home builder, and post-war housing developer.
In the late 1950’s the family moved to St. Petersburg, FL where Whitney taught Industrial Arts at Dixie Hollins High School. Over several summers, with family in tow, Whit attended the University of New Hampshire, where he received a Masters Degree in Education. His career in Florida culminated after serving as Executive Director of the Pinellas County Teachers Association.
In 1969, the family returned to Maine, settling in South China. Whit became the Assistant Director of the Maine State Vocational Educational System, from which he retired in 1983. Whit and Thelma enjoyed retirement with traveling, bowling, golfing, sailing, fishing, and being with their family. During Whit’s golfing experiences, he managed (with witnesses) to have seven “holes-in-one.” He was also quite the wordsmith, being a published author of many articles, and enjoyed penning insightful and humorous poetry for pleasure. He was interested in politics and community activism both in Maine and Florida. Having come from “Downeast Maine,” Whit loved his seafood and was often heard to say, “I don’t eat to live…I live to eat!”
After living as “Snow Birds” between Maine and Florida for many years, in 2003 Whit and Thelma permanently settled in Inverness , FL. With Thelma’s passing in 2017 and later with Whit ‘s declining health, their two sons, along with their families, shared in Whit’s care while he was residing within their homes in Florida, Tennessee, and Ohio. Hospice of Central Ohio provided care and compassion to Whit and much appreciated support to his family in his final days.
Whit was predeceased by his wife of 71 years, his parents, and two brothers, Wandell R. Newcomb of Telford, TN, and Delano E. Newcomb, of Sanford, ME.
He is survived by his sons: Burgess R. Newcomb and his wife Deborah, of Inverness, FL and Greeneville, TN; and Gary V. Newcomb and his wife Patricia (Trish), of Newark, OH. Grandchildren: Jason B. Newcomb and his fiancé Barbie Dykes Smerecki, of Inverness, FL; Dr. Rebecca Newcomb Homan and her husband Dr. Daniel C. Homan, of Granville, OH; and Anthony R. Newcomb and his wife Shannon, of Lakewood, WI. Great-grandchildren include: Dominique A. Caudill and her husband Trevor, of Inverness, FL; and Nathaniel G. Homan and Madelyn N. Homan, of Granville, OH. Great-great-grandchild, Benjamin W. Caudill of Inverness, FL. He is also survived by many beloved nephews, cousins, and friends in both the United States and Canada.
The family will miss his humor, intellect, guidance, and affection. A memorial service with eulogy and Military Honor Guard followed by combined interment of Whit and Thelma will be held on November 15, 2022 at 2:30 PM at Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell, FL
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of Central Ohio Foundation, 2269 Cherry Valley Rd SE, Newark, OH 43055 and/or Jonesport Historical Society P.O. Box 603 Jonesport, ME 04649.
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