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Frederick Hutchins Whipple died Monday, June 3 in Ridgefield. He was 90.
Son of Kathlyn (Winton) and Joseph Reed Whipple, he was born on Sept. 13, 1928, and grew up with his seven siblings in Wilton.
He attended Staples High School and served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He was honorably discharged at the rank of sergeant.
Whipple started his excavating business in 1954 under the name Fred H. Whipple. It later became Whipple Brothers Inc. and finally F.H. Whipple and Sons when his sons joined him in the family business.
Whipple was a member of the American Legion Post 78 and devoted many hours to the renovation of the American Legion Hall in Ridgefield.
He was honored when he served as honorary grand marshall of the Ridgefield Memorial Day Parade.
He also took great pride in volunteering his time and expertise in the development of Tiger Hollow.
Whipple was a member of the Ridgefield Men's Club, an avid golfer, NASCAR enthusiast, hunter, fisherman, and amateur chef.
He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Barbara and their five children: Fred Whipple Jr. and his wife, Vaida of Ridgefield; Reed Whipple and his wife, Jennifer of Ridgefield; Holley Hahn and her husband, Joe of Gansevoort, N.Y.; Lisa Conway and her husband, Matt of Ridgefield and Lauren Whipple Cohen of Ridgefield. He is also survived by six granddaughters, two grandsons, two great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
Friends will be received on Thursday, June 6 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Kane Funeral Home, 25 Catoonah St., Ridgefield.
Funeral services will take place on Friday, June 7 at 11 a.m. at the First Congregational Church, 103 Main St., Ridgefield.
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