Nelson Deforest Whiteman

Nelson D. Whiteman - Arkport
Nelson D. Whiteman, 91 passed away Tuesday (March 11, 2025) at Vincent House in Wayland.
Born in Hornell, June 21, 1933, he was the son of Bert and Nina Champlain Whiteman. He had resided all his life in the Hornell area, and was a graduate of Arkport Central School, Class of 1951. He had been employed and retired as a Switchman for the New York Telephone Company. During this time, he also owned and operated Whiteman’s TV Service, specializing in television sales, service and repair. He was a member of the Arkport United Presbyterian Church, where he had served as an Elder and Trustee. He was one of the founders and original coaches of the Arkport Little League. He was an active coach for 10 years. After he retired from New York Telephone, his favorite pastime was working for Arkport Cycles, where he was an original member of John Jamison’s “Dream Team.” He thoroughly enjoyed golfing, camping and building and flying his radio-controlled model airplanes. His most treasured times were those spent with family and friends.
Nelson proudly served his country as a member of the United States Army from May, 1953 till his honorable discharge in May, 1955.
He was predeceased by his parents, step-father, Glenn Prentice, two half-brothers, Gerald and David Prentice, and very special son-in-law, Daniel Guthrie.
Surviving are his wife of 72 years, Audrey Sherner Whiteman, daughters, Diane Whiteman Greco of Florida, and Patricia Whiteman Guthrie of Hornell, two sons, Gary (Mary Elaine) Whiteman of Howard and Michael (Laurie) Whiteman of Hornell, two half-brothers, Monroe (Dorothy) Prentice of Washington State and Roger (Jerilyn) Prentice of Rochester along with15 grandchildren: Cathy Greco, Shawn (Samantha) Greco, James (Ann) Whiteman, Caileigh (Tim) Fodge-Smith, Rachel (Jake) Gauss, Daniel Guthrie, Thomas (Emily) Guthrie, Joel (Loretta) Guthrie, Jason (Grace) Guthrie, Abigail (Jon) Phelps, Isaac (Lauren) Guthrie, Jedidiah (Rachel) Guthrie, Jesse (Joanna) Guthrie, Joshua (Melanie) Whiteman, and Madison (Hayden) Allis, in addition to 17 great-grandchildren.
Calling hours will be held from 11:30 AM until 1:00 PM Sunday (March 16, 2025) at Bender-Brown & Powers Funeral Home, 354 Canisteo Street in Hornell where services will follow at 1:00 PM with Rev. Bruce Incze officiating. A private family burial, with Military Honors, will follow at Heritage Hill Cemetery in Arkport.
In lieu of flowers, family and friends wishing to remember Nelson, may consider a contribution to the Arkport Community Church or the Arkport Little League.