Francis D. Whittemore, Jr.

Francis D. Whittemore, Jr., 98, of Gwynedd, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 4, 2020.  He was the devoted husband of Lois L. (nee Bowers) Whittemore, with whom he shared 64 years of marriage.

When Frank was asked what he was most proud of in his life, he answered "I married the woman of my dreams, raised 5 great kids, and had a vocation that I loved.  What more could I want?"  He spent many hours in the company of his family, sharing laughs and telling stories.

He was always a gentleman and tipped his hat when greeting passersby.  He was fluent in the French language and enjoyed speaking it with residents and staff at Foulkeways, the retirement community where he and Lois lived for twenty years.

Frank was a Master Glassblower for 66 years; retiring at the age of 83.  He was widely known for his scientific glassblowing, fine Venetian-style paperweights, and beautiful glass dollhouse miniatures.  He also enjoyed teaching and mentoring other glassblowers.  He was a member of the Bucks County Guild of Craftsmen, consulted with Baccarat Glass in France, and Perthshire Glass in Scotland, and was a member of the National Association of Miniature Enthusiasts.  His works have been displayed at the Wheaton Museum of American Glass, the Smithsonian Institution, and the Corning Museum of Glass, among others.

He enjoyed a late in life career as a watercolor artist making gift cards, paintings, and bookmarks.  Most days he could be found occupying his space in the Foulkeways Art Studio.  He loved when people stopped by to see him and spent many hours chatting and sharing stories.  He always had a free bookmark to hand out.

He loved to tell stories of his time in the Army during World War II, serving as a medic and interpreter in England, France, and Germany.  For his service during the 1944 campaigns to liberate France, he was appointed as a Chevalier of the French Legion of Honour.

In addition to his wife Lois, Frank is survived by his children Francis D. (Whit) Whittemore, III, Amy W. Doherty, Wendy W. Long, and Hannah W. Kimmel; Grandchildren Dalton Scinicariello, Tara Young, Caleb Whittemore, Aubry Long, Jake Kimmel, and Allie Kimmel; Great-Grandchildren Tegan Young and Iris Young.  Frank joined his son Brian D. Whittemore, who passed away in 2001.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made for a memorial bench to be placed in a garden area at Foulkeways for the enjoyment of residents, staff, and guests.

Checks can be sent to the Development Office at Foulkeways, 1120 Meetinghouse Road, Gwynedd, PA, 19436.