Final Salute

Robert Cornell Whitmore (Bob), 94 of Queensbury, NY, passed away peacefully at St. Peter’s Hospital on Friday, October 17, 2025, after a short illness.

Robert was born in Washington, DC, to Clarence Edwin and Emily Powell (Mergler) Whitmore, on October 23, 1930. In 1945, the family moved to Delmar, NY. He attended Bethlehem Central High School and graduated in 1949.

Upon graduation, Bob enlisted in the US Navy and was called to Active Duty, during the Korean war, from 1950-1952. Bob served in the US Naval Cargo Handling Battalion 1 out of Norfolk, VA. He also served on the USS Whitley, and USS Newport News. In 1962, Bob joined the US Reserve Naval Mobile Construction Battalion, (Seabee’s) and served in both RNMCB-19 and RNMCB-12 and after 28 years of service, he retired, honorably discharged, in 1990. Bob received numerous military awards including Seventh Naval Reserve Meritorious Service Medal, and Navy Reserve medal for 28 years of service. Bob was a member of the NY Naval Militia for 25 years and held both expert pistol and expert rifleman.

Bob was a longtime and very active member of The Church of the Messiah in Glens Falls, where he was a Verger, Past Warden and Vestry member, Property Chairman, Acolyte and Altar Guild member.

He worked for JG Myers, Fowler’s and held a certificate in silver and silverware. He also worked for Adirondack Construction and retired as a salesman from Russell and Waite Office Supplies. Bob and his loving wife, Beverly, both loved Disney and they visited seven times. He was a past Pioneer District Scouts BSA Commissioner, Glens Falls Cub Scouts leader, a member of the Glens Falls Chapter of DeMolay, Glens Falls Lion’s Club and B.P.O.E Lodge 81.

Robert is survived by his wife of 44 years, Beverly Sommer Whitmore of Queensbury, NY; his sons, Robert (Nancy) Whitmore, Richard Whitmore, both of Queensbury, NY; his bonus children, Herbert (Susan) Sommer of Conway, SC, David (Tammy) Sommer of Queensbury, NY, Theresa Sommer of Queensbury, NY, Anne (George) Francolino of Saratoga Springs, NY and Ronald (Suzanne) Lane of Coxsackie, NY. Robert was blessed to have eight grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Emily Whitmore.

Funeral service will be held at The Church of the Messiah, 296 Glen Street, Glens Falls, NY on Tuesday, October 28, at 9:30 a.m., with Reverend Mother Jean Devaty of The Church of the Messiah officiating. Burial will follow at the Gerald B.H. Solomon National Cemetery, 200 Duell Road, Schuylerville, NY.

Visitation will be held at Regan Denny Stafford Funeral Home, 53 Quaker Road, Queensbury on Monday, October 27, from 5 to 7 p.m. Regan Denny Stafford Funeral Home will be handling the funeral arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Church of The Messiah, 296 Glen Street, Glens Falls, NY, marked, Whitmore memorial: Capital Fund or Property Fund. The family wishes to extend their gratitude to St. Peter’s ICU staff and The Community Hospice, especially Laurie, Alyssa, Sarah and Brittany.

For those who wish, online condolences can be made to the family by visiting www.sbfuneralhome.com.

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Published by Post-Star on Oct. 25, 2025.