Peter Whitney, 73, of Lunenburg, passed away Tuesday, January 17, 2012 in his home.

        Peter was born in Worcester on February 1, 1938, son of the late Raymond R. and Dorothy (Mackie) Whitney. He was the owner and operator of Willie's Woolen Works in Lunenburg. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War. He was an Aviation Electrician Second Class. Peter served on three air craft carriers, the Tarawa, the Essex, and the Saratoga in the Bay of Pigs, Lebanon Invasion, and Quemoy-Matsu. Proud of his military service, Peter had a veteran license plate. He was an instructor of fire arms for the Fitchburg Police Department, and also a member of the National Rifle Association. He was a skilled marksman who also enjoyed sitting on the deck watching the wildlife.

    Peter leaves his wife of 47 years, Patricia (Martino) Whitney of Lunenburg; daughter, Kellie Navaroli and her husband Chris of Lunenburg; son, Sean Whitney and his wife Laurie of Little Falls, New York; grandchildren, Nicholas Whitney, Andrew Navaroli, Peter Whitney, and Isabella Navaroli; a sister, Susan W. Cade and her husband Robert of Leominster; many nieces and nephews.

    A Memorial Service was held in Brandon Funeral Home, 305 Wanoosnoc Rd. in Fitchburg on Wednesday, January 25. There were no calling hours. Burial was private.

    In lieu of flowers the family request that memorial donations be made to the Greater Boston Food Bank, 99 Atkinson Street, Boston, MA, USA 02118-2701.