The Story of Whitting Funeral Home

Beginning in November 1940, Strettle F. Whitting (known to many as "Frank" or "Boo") conducted his first funeral for Mrs. Carpenter (which was a cremation, cremation rate in the US in 1940 was less than 4%). He conducted the funeral in his mother's home on 41 Nassau Ave. in Glen Cove.



Circa 1930s: 41 Nassau Ave., Glen Cove - The Birthplace of S.F. Whitting Funeral Director

Strettle graduated from New York School of embalming in 1938, followed by a one year apprenticeship with Frank E. Campbell "The Funeral Chapel", the most prominent funeral establishment in New York City, known for handling the funeral arrangements of celebrities and politicians.

Following his apprenticeship, he earned his license as a New York State Embalmer and Undertaker. Frank married Muriel in 1941 and continued working for himself and other local funeral directors.

He closed the business in 1942 to join the Merchant Marine's in service to his country during World War II. Frank served aboard the hospital ship, SS Betty Zane in the Mediterranean Base sector of the European Theater. He was its Ensign/Pharmacist Mate.

In 1946, following his service, Frank returned home to open his first location at 240 Sea Cliff Avenue in Sea Cliff, known at the time as "S.F. Whitting Funeral Director".

S.F. Whitting Funeral Director - 240 Sea Cliff Avenue 1946-1958

Due to the growing demand of his services, Frank moved the business to its current location at 300 Glen Cove Avenue in Glen Head in 1955. He purchased the land from Mr. Gerlick, owner of Gerlick Restaurant. Conveniently located at the intersection of Glen Head, Sea Cliff and Glen Cove. Five years later, Frank Incorporated the Business and it officially became Whitting Funeral Home Inc.

The Next Generation: Scott and Stret

Frank's Sons "Stret" and Scott graduated from North Shore High School in 1961 and began working for their father in the funeral home. They began as apprentices and were both licensed in 1963.

Scott joined the US Army in 1963. He served as a Green Beret in the Vietnam War, and separated from service in 1967 after years of distinguished service.

Frank retired from the business in 1967 upon the return of Scott from his service in the military.

Strettle III "Codge" and David joined the family business in 1987. and purchased the business from their parents in 2000.



3 Generations of Whitting Family Funeral Directors (from left to right: Scott Whitting, Strettle"Frank" Whitting, Strettle "Stret" Whitting, David Whitting, Strettle "Codge" Whitting.