Lakeville: August 28, 2014 at home at age 56 years surrounded by his loving family. Predeceased by his father Theodore Whitford, his sister Linda Kurtz, and brother-in-law James Szczesniak. Survived by his wife of 35 years Debbie Whitford. Children: Mark (Melissa) Whitford of Pittsford, Jason (Caitlin Roat) Whitford of Livonia, Shawn Whitford of Hemlock, Kyle (Amanda Johnson) Whitford of Lakeville. Grandchildren: Maddie Roat, Kian Whitford, and Rhys Whitford. Mother Jean Whitford of Lakeville. Siblings: Theodore (Claudia) Whitford of Virginia, Donna (Jack) Tangen of Brockport, Anne (Bill) Devine of Groveland, Marybeth (Rick) McKeown of W. Henrietta, Pam (Pete) McCabe of Lakeville, Jane (Dave) Konarski of Lakeville, Tim (Cindy) Whitford of Lakeville, Kevin (Lori) Whitford of E. Bethany. Brothers-in-law Dave Kurtz of Geneseo and Richard (Ruby) of Orchard Park, Stephen (Margaret) Szczesniak of Conesus, Jeffery (Jennie) Szczesniak of Conesus. Sisters-in-law Teresa (Jerome) Szaras of Cheektowaga, Marianne (Stephen) Hawkins of Lakeville, Nancy Szczesniak of Conesus. Many nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends.
Mark was the Vice President of Sales for Sweeteners Plus where he worked for over 30 years. He was an active member of the Lakeville Fire Dept., the Livonia Ambulance, and the Swain Ski Patrol.
Friends may call on Monday and Tuesday from 4-8pm at the Kevin W. Dougherty Funeral Home Inc., 21 Big Tree Street, Rte 15 & 20A, Livonia. Funeral Mass will be held Wednesday at 10:30am at St. Matthew Church, 6591 Richmond Mills Road, Rte 20A, Livonia. A Fireman’s service will be held at the church following the Funeral Mass. Memorial contributions may be made in Mark’s memory to the Livingston County Hospice, 2 Murray Hill Dr., Mt. Morris, NY 14510, Lakeville Fire Dept., PO Box 376, Lakeville, NY 14480, or the Livonia Ambulance, PO Box 8, Livonia, NY 14487. To send a condolence and for further information please visit: www.doughertyfuneralhomes.com
I am so sad to hear of Marks death. My thoughts and prayers are with the family .
Patrick loved him and respected him now they are
Both in heaven. God bless.
I just learned of Mark’s untimely death, and am a bit shocked. Mark’s absence will leave a hole in many organizations, and in many peoples’ hearts. My sincere condolences to his family.
Rick Church
Patrol Representative,
Powder Mills Ski Patrol
Mark was a great guy and a Community leader. He offered his services in many ways. We first met him when all of our kids were involved in Youth Football. He was a really good guy. He will be missed by all. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family now.
My thoughts and prayers to the entire Whitford family. I had done business with Mark for 20 years, he was the most honest salesman you could ever ask for and yes he always had a smile on his face. I had come to call him my “favorite sales guy” which he found amusing! I am glad I got to tell him what a great job he did in training Kyle, he was extremely proud of him. I am so very sorry for your loss. Rest in piece my friend!
I extend my condolences to Mark’s family, and my prayers are with Mark. He was a fine and congenial guy, and his service to the Swain Ski Patrol and the skiing public will be remembered.
Jim Ebmeyer, Swain Ski Patrol, retired.
Mark, may God bless you and keep you. You were truly a great guy and good friend. I enjoyed our time together.
To the Whitford family, your grief is difficult. We too share in that grief. I am sure he is looking down upon us now, smiling that smile he had,and wishing us peace, happiness, and joy. That’s just the type of guy he is.
God bless you all.
Ray
I have known Mark for several years now and I so enjoyed being around him at Industry functions. He was so well thought of in the Sugar industry and will be sorely missed by all who knew and worked with him. Prayers and condolences to his family. I never got to meet Debbie but had the privilege of meeting two of Mark’s sons a couple years ago and I know the love and pride he had for his children. May God give you strength to get through this difficult time. Your loss is shared by many.
“And God will raise us from the dead by his power, just as he raised our Lord from the dead.” 1 Corinthians 6:14
To Mark’s family, friends and loved ones I am truly sorry for your loss. Mark was a wonderful person. My prayers and thoughts are with all of you in your time of need. God speed and God Bless. Mark you truly will be missed.
From Donna Arcieri @ Caldic Canada
Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Whitford Family. We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Mark was a great person and a joy to work with! Wegmans Bakery and Sweetener’s Plus have been working together for years through Mark and his team. He will be greatly missed. Our deepest sympathy…
I have known Mark and the Whitford family since moving to Livonia in 1984. You’ve heard of the term “good people?” That does not apply to the Whitfords–they are “great people.” The majority of my association with Mark came through sports: t-ball, Little league, Babe Ruth, American Legion, Vince Lombardi Football, and CYO Basketball. If you needed something done, Mark was your man. He always put the needs of the kids first–a great role model. His commitment to social responsibility was unmatched–a true community leader whose impact will be felt forever. Mark was always a great tag-team partner when it came to keeping Jason and my son Tim in line. You guys know what I mean! I now live in Canandaigua but will always have a place in my heart for Livonia–and people like Mark and his family are a big reason why.
Kevin and Lori, Tim and Cindy, to all of Mark’s family,
We are so sorry to hear that Mark passed away.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Chris and Randy
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Whitford family. We are so sorry for your loss.
Jim, Carol, Jamie, Kelly & Jennifer Sands
Debbie, Mark, Jason, Shawn, Kyle, and the Entire Whitford Family,
We are so sincerely sorry to hear of Mark’s sickness and passing. We send our deepest sympathy to all of you. Hugs and strength coming your way.
Dave, Sue, Jeanine and Jake
I am so sorry to hear of Mark’s passing away We were speaking friends during the years about fire department issues, but always had respect for each other. I had no idea he was sick but life can be a fragile thing. My sympathy to Nancy also’ we were car pool partners for many years.My sympathy to all the families from the Bennett families. May he rest in peace
To Deb and the entire Whitford Family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Mark was a great person always ready with a smile and a laugh. So sad for him to leave us so suddenly and quickly. Still hard to believe. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Rick & Carol Schibler (Maddie and Kenna too)
Debbie, Mark, Jason, Shawn and Kyle..Our heart just breaks for you. I am so very thankful that we were all able to cross paths last year. Even though we have not know you all for very long…you always made us feel like family. We are truly grateful for that. Mark was truly an angel here on earth. He always had a smile on his face. He was kind to everyone…never judged, which is a trait we all should make priority. This town and county has truly lost one of their finest. Someone we should all look up to. RIP Mark…I know your spirit will continue to embrace us each and everyday. Deepest Sympathy and all of our love to each one of you… Love Lynnea & Billy
Our sincere sympathy to the Whitford family. Mark was always a pleasure to be around, Always a “hello how we doin’ today” from him. We will miss him greatly.
Rest In Peace Bother
Dave & Gina Strumph
To the entire Whitford family. I am deeply sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Love , Janice and don.
Debbie and family…
I am truly sorry…Mark was a remarkable man..and one of my most favorite people. My love and sadness is with you all
Pat Lewis
My sincere Sympathy to all of Marks family.He was a well known and loved person. Carolyn (Larry) D’Angelo
Mark and I grew up together in the sugar business and became good friends over the thirty years we worked together. I shall always remember him for his kindness, dedication to family and community, his incredible skill sets from engineering to sales and of course his constant smile. I shall miss you like the brother that you are to me. My sincere condolences to his family and many friends.
Debbie, Mark, Jason, Shawn, and Kyle I am sorry for your loss and that I can’t attend Mark’s services. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this trying time.
My love and prayers are with the entire Whitford family. I am so very sorry for your loss.
Debbie and family, I was so sorry to hear of Mark’s passing. A more sincere and loving family man you would have been hard to find. His family was his life and he will always be with you because of the closeness you all had. His soul has gone on but he lives in your hearts and minds. God bless each of you – take comfort that he is whole again. Jane
I was deeply saddened by the news of Mark’s passing. My heart felt condolences to you and your family.
My deepest sympathy to you Debbie, Mark, Jason, Shawn, Kyle and the whole family. Mark was so very special to so many. He was the most kind, caring and compassionate man I know. He will be missed by many but his memory will live on forever. Know that I will be with you in spirit even though I won’t be there for you at this most difficult time. Sending my love and prayers. Cindy
Mark: May you rest in final peace, as all of us must do some day. All of us at NSIMA thought very highly of you, and were shocked to learn of your illness and untimely demise. I must express now my life philosophy: WE KNOW HOW IT STARTED, WE KNOW HOW IT WILL END. WE MUST ENJOY THE TRIP! You did seem to enjoy your trip, Mark. I cannot remember seeing you without a smile on your face. May you now visit the heavens with GOD.
Debbie, Mark, Jason, Shawn & Kyle, MY heart is aching for all of you, please accept my sincere condolences. Mark was a special person with his infectious smile and kindness to everyone. May God give you comfort and strength to carry on without your loved one. My love,thoughts and prayers are with all of you as well as the surrounding families. Mark is truly soaring with the angels above. Blessings to all.
Love,
Hazel
Mark was truly one of the great gentleman of the sugar industry. He was always happy to help and share his expertise. He will truly be missed by a lot of people. God’s blessings be with you during this trying time.
I just learned of Mark’s illness a few days ago and next thing I hear he’s gone! I am so shocked & sad. Knew Mark from Livonia Ambulance and had the pleasure of working together on ambulance runs and teaching medical classes. I can remember Paul DeMartini calling him “Markie” Whitford. Mark always had a smile on his face and was good at kidding people – he will be greatly missed by the Livonia/Lakeville communities. My deepest sympathy to Debbie, the boys, and the rest of Mark’s family.
1Cor.15:26
The last enemy to be destroyed is death. Thank You Lord!
2Cor.1:8-10
For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself.Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death…
He delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us again.
Hallelujah,Praise be to you Jesus!
When I received Cynthia’s text yesterday, I felt like all the air had just been sucked out of me! I resorted to a 5mi.late afternoon, (restoration hike); caused me to suck major air! During which I wanted to cry, but physically couldn’t. Not then…
May God keep you, Whitford Strong!
I would like to send my condolences and deepest sympathy to Mark´s family and friends. I hadn’t seen or spoken to Mark since the Sugar Dinner in New York in May and I didn’t even know he was ill. Yet my shock and dismay are nothing compared to the pain and loss you must all be feeling, today. Mark was a mainstay of the US sugar business, a charming and knowledgeable counter-party and he will be sorely missed.
Mark,
You will be truly missed. I believe God has a greater plan for you. May Gods peace be with you.
Love
Sheila
Sweeteners Plus