- Date Of Birth: August 20, 1951
- Date Of Death: April 23, 2019
- State: New Jersey
Michael Whitby, age 67, passed away peacefully at Toms River Community Memorial on April 23rd surrounded by the people that loved him the most. Born in Jersey City, Michael settled in with his family and lived in the township of Kearny for many years. After graduating from Queen of Peach High School, he joined the National Guard at age 18. Michael was trained as a lineman; subsequently receiving high honors as a sharp shooter. As his five year tenure commenced, he returned to state control as a member of the army national guard and was honorably discharged.
His ambition continued as he started his journey as a young entrepreneur becoming owner and operator of Kearny Moving Van for over 50 years. This afforded Michael to see and experience the beauty and charm of the 48 continuous states he traveled. Along the way, Michael never passed up the opportunity to try and learn something new. Within his adventures, he pursued competitive bike riding, cowboy line dancing, purchased a boat and was licensed to navigate the seas, and was a certified diver once rescuing his diving partner from danger.
Among his many passions, Michael was an avid tennis player for his time. He loved the game and spent many hours at Lavallette courts battling Mr. Cupo, Michael Jordan Jr. and his son Christopher as each lob over his head always seemed to be called out! Tennis provided the stamina for which Michael needed to be a long standing N.Y Giant, and N.Y Yankee fan. He spent many days and nights in his self-made Irish Pub Man Cave cheering on his favorite teams. He had many accoutrements to his idol, Mickey Mantle, as it forever reminded him of his youth watching “the Mick” with his father Harold. Michael also loved to travel internationally. Visiting Paris, and London he sampled the fine cuisine and fine wines that each region had to offer.
He once went on a pilgrimage to the town of Whitby England to capture the history of his sir name. There in a small sleepy seaside pub he created an impromptu family reunion, as word spread that a visitor from the states was buying free drinks. If there was one destination he favored, it would have to be the emerald island of Ireland. He married his lovely wife Marion in Ashford Castle, in the county of Mayo, returning several times to capture “the color of green you can only see in Ireland” as he would proclaim. He was so proud of his Irish heritage; he purchased his own kilt traced back to his ancestral tartan. He wore this proudly on many occasions tipping back a few pints of Guinness along the way.
Later in his career, he slowed down his work pace and specialized in moving concert pianos, being awarded the exclusive contract from Yamaha Pianos of New York. Along with the added bonus of listening to pre-concert medleys. He had the fortunate opportunity to meet the celebrities that played these grand instruments. He rubbed elbows with VanCliburn, Elton John, Versace, Liza Minelli, Alicia Keys and the caretakers of John Lennon’s last piano. With a blossoming reputation servicing the pianos of the stars; Michael was able to parlay that into becoming the official brokered piano mover of the Newport Music festival. Over a span of 12 years, he would spend weeks at time, setting up and breaking down pianos; all the while listening to the works of world renowned artists and musicians. Son of the late Doris and Harold Whitby.
He leaves behind his beloved wife Marion Whitby. (nee Connors). Three children and their spouses: Christopher Walko, Patsy and Timothy Cook, John and Carly Walko. Three grandsons Connor, Jack and Preston. His grand-niece Ava Connors. Brother Dennis Whitby and his wife Mary. His sister Barbara Hayles, and her companion Bill Akerberg. He also leaves behind niece Lauren and nephew Jeffrey Connors. Nephews Dennis, Stephen, Neil, their spouses, and 4 beautiful grandnieces. Michael was a man’s man that followed and lived by a simple credo. “It is better to give than to receive”.
