Darwin R. Whipple Sr.

Darwin R. Whipple, Sr., of Grahamsville, NY, died on August 29, 2025, at his home, surrounded by his loving family and friends. He was 92.

Darwin was born April 16, 1933, in Orson, PA, to the late Clyde A. and Edna (Robinson) Whipple. He graduated from Hancock High School and very proudly served in the United States Air Force from 1952-1956 during the Korean War, where he specialized in sheet metal work on top secret prototype planes. After completing four more years as a reserve in the Air Force, he married his lifelong partner, Marie C. Binde of Pleasant Mount, PA, in 1960.

Darwin and Marie settled in Wurtsboro, NY where they raised their six children for the next 20 years. Darwin, along with several other men, created the Mamakating Baseball League for which he was President of, helped build the first ballfield park for and proudly coached the Rams. This great ballpark these men built still stands today and is used for little league and remains Brewer Field.

Darwin was an active member and Sergeant at Arms at the Moose Lodge in Blue Haven. He worked construction on skyscrapers in NYC, such as the Chrysler Building and the Empire State Building and did tunnel work for the Delaware Aqueduct system, which today feeds over half of NYC its water supply, and also constructed route 17 highways. He enjoyed mechanical work of any kind, but especially restoring antique tractors. Darwin's family spent many years in Fairdale, PA and Phoenix, AZ, before settling in Grahamsville, NY to be nearer to their children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

He was Chaplain and then Post Commander at the American Legion Post in Hallstead, PA and a lifelong member of the Elks Lodge in Scottsdale, AZ.

Darwin is survived by five of his children: Yvonne Dolfini-Jones and her husband, Andrew, Denise L. Whipple, James R. Whipple, Mary A. Smith and her husband Kyle, and David R. Whipple. He is also survived by ten grandchildren: Christpher Dolfini, Chrisina Dolfini, Jason Dolfini, Darwin R. Whipple, III., and his wife Samantha, James R. Whipple, Jr., Julianna Smith, Benjamin Smith, Sarah Whipple, David J. Whipple and Andrew Grace, and seven great-grandchildren: Anthony, Hanna, Austin, Brantley and Dakota Dolfini, Darwin R. Whipple, IV, and Ivy Whipple; his brother-in-law and lifelong friend, James Appley of Fish's Eddy and sister-in-law, Geraldine Binde, of Phoenix, AZ, and scores of nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.

Darwin was predeceased by his devoted and loving wife of 52 years, Marie C. Whipple, in 2012 and his eldest son, Darwin R. Whipple, Jr., in 2016.

Darwin was the last surviving sibling from his family of twelve children and was predeceased by his four sisters: Faith Johnson, Ila Bloomer, Betty Binde, and Altheda Appley; and seven brothers: Arden, Wayne, Walter, Friend, Floyd, Robert, and William Whipple.

A special thank you to Kelly Whipple, who Darwin fondly called “My girl”, and is his daughter-in-law, for her unwavering, dedicated help, companionship and love while caring for him though the last seasons of his life. You were truly a gift.

We also extend many thanks to those from Hospice of Orange and Sullivan Counties: Theresa, Danica, Cindy, Jess, and Robin. Your compassionate care and mindful presence given to our family during this very difficult time was exceptional and we are grateful to you all.

Visitation will be held at Colonial Memorial Funeral Home, 396 State Route 52 Woodbourne, NY 12788 on Thursday, September 4, 2025, from 11:00am-1:00pm, followed by interment at the Sullivan County Veterans Cemetery on Sunset Lake Road, Liberty, NY with military honors.

In lieu of flowers, to help keep the love of the game alive, please consider sending a donation in his name to the Mamakating Little League, PO Box 745, Wurtsboro, NY 12790.

Arrangements were under the care of Colonial Memorial Funeral Home, for further information please call 845-434-7363 or visit www.colonialfamilyfuneralhome.com.