Martin John Whitford

Marty, age 62, passed away at the Arnot Ogden Medical Center after a long battle with cancer on Tuesday, January 28, 2025. Marty was born in Elmira NY, the only child of the late James and Mary Lucci Whitford. He was also predeceased by brother-in-law Randy Myers, sister-in-law Robin Myers-Wilson, several aunts, uncles and cousins. He is survived by his loving wife Rhonda Myers Whitford, and the daughter he adored Victoria “Tori” Whitford. He is also survived by aunts, Jennie Tomassi and Alyce Lucci both of Elmira; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Rodney Myers (Marjorie), Rolland Myers (Peggy Southworth), Rebecca Adamek (Mike), and Robert Myers (Lynett); cousins, Kathy Turner (David), Donna Harvey (Tim), Marlene Adams (Wayne), Dominic Lucci, Paula Painton, Sharon Beller, Fran Lucci, Diane Lucci and Sharon Moren; along with several nieces, nephews and extended family.

Marty was a life-long resident of Elmira. He grew up on Magee St. across the street from his Mustico cousins. The family of Carl and Buzzy Mustico with their children, Joe, Art, Gina, Lando, Carl and John, became his second family. Marty became their sixth son. He was a 1980 graduate of Elmira Free Academy. A devout Catholic, Marty had been a long-time communicant of St. Anthony’s Church, where he was very involved with parish activities including the yearly parish festival. Marty continued his involvement with the Elmira Catholic community as it continued to evolve to what is now The Most Holy Name of Jesus Parish. He had been a long-time dedicated employee of the Chemung County Department of Social Services, retiring in 2018. Marty was a member of the Italian American Veterans Club and the Pine City Sportsman’s Club. He was a car guy and always enjoyed buying his next car. He was a proud Italian and knew his way around the kitchen. Marty was known for baking and cooking. Every Christmas season it seemed like he was making Christmas cookies for half of Elmira. Marty, Rhonda and Tori had special friends, Dan and Tessa Yorke with their children Dane (Alyssa), Jordan (Sarah) and Bradan, who became part of their family. Marty was the type of man that was always there for his family and others. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Family and friends are invited to McInerny Funeral Home, 502 W. Water St., Elmira, on Monday, February 3, 2025, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Patrick’s Church, 604 Park Place, Elmira, on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. A livestream of the Mass will be available through the Facebook page for Most Holy Name of Jesus Parish (https://www.facebook.com/ElmiraCatholic). Committal prayers and interment will follow at St. Peter & Paul’s Cemetery.

Those wishing may remember Marty with a donation to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis TN 38105 or Tunnel to Towers Foundation, at donationsupport@t2t.org.