John

Edward Martin
Whitmore
1950—2008
J ohn Edward Martin Whitmore
began his earthly journey on
November 8, 1950, when God dis-
patched his angels to the late Merline
Whitmore. “O’ What A Happy Day!”
John was educated at Our Lady of
Victory and George Westinghouse
High School. He was a gift from
God, and at an early age he began
his commitment to the church as
an Altar Server and a member of
the choir at Our Lady of Victory.
John was blessed with an angelic
voice that he used to lift up and
praise his Lord and Savior, Jesus
Christ. John’s lifeblood was the
church and his music. He was known
across the nation as a pillar for the
Catholic Church, attending the Black
Catholic Congress, leading Retreats,
singing, teaching, speaking and
preaching throughout the Brooklyn
Diocese, the New York Archdio-
cese, Rockville Center and beyond.
John was also very active bridging
together our brothers and sisters of
different denominations for Ecumeni-
cal retreats and services, working
closely with Elder Eric Townsend and
Pastor Keith Cox, of North Carolina.
John met and married Doris Davis
in 1975 and from this union they had
one daughter, Andrea. One of John’s
greatest joys was the day his daughter
Andrea was born; she was the apple
of his eye. John was a father figure
to many from the Altar Servers he
trained — Chris, Benjamin, Mark,
Steven, David, Jason, The Buchanan
and Joseph families to name a few,
to his Godchildren — Da-Shawn,
Benjamin, Steven, David, Asia,
Namen, Darryl, Jeffery, Roberta,
Seth, Atwana, Eltwana, and a host
of others. One of the highlights
in John’s life was when Fr. Caleb
was ordained into the priesthood.
John served as choir director for
the Voices of Victory in Bedford
Stuyvesant, Minister of Music
at St. Thérèse of Lisieux in East
Flatbush and St. Charles Borromeo
in Brooklyn Heights. Along the way
John worked under the spiritual
leadership and guidance of Fr. John
Burns, from whom John received his
early teachings, Monsignor Joseph
“Joe” Nugent, with whom he shared
a great friendship, and Monsignor
Alfred “Al” LoPinto, who continued
to nurture John as the pastor of St.
Thérèse and St. Charles Borromeo.
John loved his family and friends.
He enjoyed the fun times he shared
with his older brother Joseph Allen
(deceased), with Ralph, nephew Ta-
veres, with nieces Ryan and Courtney,
great nieces Aviana and Meadow Sky,
and with his adopted sisters Sadie
and Sharonnie (Sharon). John had
many friends — Ivy, Brenda, Geri,
Carmela, Al, Michael, Vincent. Mr.
Clarke and Chester to name a few.
John’s final achievement was becom-
ing co–chair of the Vicariate of Black
Catholic Concerns Mass Choir and
Sacred Music and Liturgy Commit-
tee founded by Bishop Guy Sansaricq.
In memory of John’s legacy always
remember his words “I Have Come
To Serve And Not To Be Served”
and “If I Can Help Somebody
Along The Way Then My Living
Would Not Have Been In Vain”.
Order of Service
Introductory Rite
Processional................................ We’ve Come This Far By Faith
Opening Prayer

Liturgy of the Word

First Reading............................................. Benjamin Jackson
Responsorial Psalm
Second Reading...............................................Steven Stewart
Gospel...................................................Msgr. Joseph Nugent
Homily.................................................... Fr. Caleb Buchanan
Prayer of the Faithful.................................. Msgr. Al LoPinto
Hymn of Meditation..............................If I Can Help Somebody

Liturgy of the Eucharist

Presentation of the Gifts..............................Da-Shawn Perry
Ivy Agard
Preface
Eucharistic Prayer
Great Amen
Kiss of Peace
Fraction Rite
Communion Rite
Communion Hymn...............................Just Over In Glory Land
It’s My Desire
Song after Communion.............................................Ave Maria

Concluding Rites
Final Remarks..................................... Bishop Guy Sansaricq
Msgr. Joseph Nugent
Msgr. Al Lo Pinto
Final Commendation
Recessional.......................................................Going Up Yonder
A Message To My Family
When I must leave you, don’t cry for me,
for I am not gone just look around and you will see me.

When I must leave you, think of the good times we

shared and always remember I knew you cared.

When I must leave you, and have taken my final flight,

always remember I will always be in your sight.

For I am the wind beneath your wing.

I am the ray in the sun.

I am the rain that falls.

I am the trees and flowers that grow.

I am the quiet hush of a morning rush.

I am the diamond glint on snow.

I am the dawn of a new day.

I am the star that shines brightly in the night.

I am the waves in the ocean.

I am the footprints in the sand.

Your Husband, Father, Brother,

John
Uncle, Cousin, Godfather
and Friend

“Your Guardian Angel”

(Done In Love, Your Sister Sharonnie)