J. Robert Whitmore, 93, of Vero Beach, died after a brief illness on Sunday, April 6, 2014 at Indian River Medical Center.

He was born on November 19, 1920 in Erie, PA, but was raised in Watertown, NY and then lived in NJ for 40 years where he and his wife raised their children, prior to moving to Vero Beach shortly after his retirement.

"Bob" is survived by his children, James R. Whitmore and his wife Doreen of Hackettstown, NJ, Kathleen Modrow and her husband Douglas of Newton, NJ, Michael W. Whitmore and his wife Vicki of Vonore, TN and John F. Whitmore and his wife Marilyn of Savannah, GA; seven grandchildren; fourteen great grandchildren; 3 step-grandchildren; five step-great grandchildren, and a brother Rev. Msgr. Paul E. Whitmore in Watertown, NY. He was predeceased by his wife of 67 years, Margaret nee Monahan and grand-daughter Debbie Ann Modrow-Snook.

He graduated for Fordham University, served in World War II as a First Lieutenant, and worked for Suburban Propane Gas Corp. for 36 ½ years prior to retiring as Vice President in charge of Taxes and Insurance. Bob had been active in community affairs serving with the Boy Scouts for many years in Morris Plains, NJ; the Homeowners Assoc. and Golf Club boards in Panther Valley in NJ; the Men's Golf Assoc. and Civic Assoc. at Vista Royale; and an active member in St. Helen Catholic Church with the Nocturnal Adoration Society, Harvest Festival and the Parish Council.

Memorial Contributions should be made to St. Helen Catholic Church.

Visitation will be held 5:00 - 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, April 8, 2014 at Cox Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, April 9, 2014 at St. Helen Catholic Church and entombment will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens in Fort Pierce, FL.

Arrangements are under the direction of Cox Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home and Crematory in Vero Beach, FL. Online condolences may be sent at www.coxgiffordseawinds.com .