FALMOUTH - Elliot R. Whitten of Falmouth, originally from Braintree, passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday, February 27, 2025 at the age of 90.
Elliot was the beloved husband of the late Claire E. (Delorey) Whitten and son of the late Franklin P. Whitten and Priscilla D. (Collier) Whitten of Braintree. He is lovingly remembered and will be sadly missed by his children, Judi Whitten of Plymouth, Jill Coyle and her husband John of Braintree, Jane Southerland and her husband Brian of Plymouth, Janine Petralia and her husband Marc of Sandwich. He was also the father of the late E. Robert (Bob) Whitten, Jr. Elliot also leaves behind his grandchildren, Colin Foley of Quincy, Ryan Whitten of West Bridgewater, Brian Southerland Jr. of Plymouth, Jacquelyn Ferrari and her husband Graham of Marstons Mills and Erica Campbell and her husband Derek of Mashpee, as well as his great-grandsons, Nico and Luca, and great-granddaughters, Veda and Noelle. Elliot was also predeceased by his sister Cynthia Whitten and brother David Whitten. He will be remembered by his sister-in-law, Ethel Whitten, and his many loving nieces, nephews and friends.
Elliot grew up in East Braintree and graduated from Braintree High School, Class of 1952, where he met Claire, his wife of 62 years and where he was an outstanding athlete who played multiple sports. He spent summers in Dennisport camping with his family. Elliot learned auto mechanics working part-time at a gas station in Weymouth Landing. After high school he attended East Coast Aero Technical School where he was certified in aircraft maintenance. Elliot then began a nearly 40-year career as an aircraft mechanic and inspector, first at Northeast (Yellowbird) Airlines and then Delta Airlines from where he retired in 1992. He and Claire moved to the home Elliot had built himself by hand in Falmouth in the mid-70’s.
Elliot enjoyed keeping busy and when not working could always be found in his garage building or fixing something. He often helped his children, friends and neighbors with their projects as well, teaching his children how to fix things and also teaching an auto repair class at Braintree Evening School. Elliot held a real estate license and was a member of the Braintree Jaycees and played for their softball team in keeping with his love for sports. He was even recruited by the Boston Patriots to be a punter. In the summer, he enjoyed time on Cape Cod with his family, including fishing in his boat in Dennisport, Harwichport and then Falmouth. He and Claire also travelled frequently, first with their children and then with their grandchildren, as well as taking their own trips to Europe when they were able. In later years, Elliot and Claire enjoyed time with their neighbors and living in the home he built in Falmouth where he continued to keep busy with projects around the house.
Elliot was a genuine, kind and humble person who will be sorely and sadly missed by all those who knew and loved him.
A celebration of Elliot’s life will be held later in the spring to honor his memory.
Please consider making a donation of your choice in Elliot’s name, as he gave to many different charities himself.