Robert “Bob” Gordon Whitman
September 22, 1941 – October 4, 2026

Robert “Bob” Gordon Whitman, 85, of Putnam Valley, New York, passed away on October 4, 2026.
Bob was born in New York City on September 22, 1941, to Phyllis and Joseph Whitman. After high school, he proudly served in the United States Navy.
Bob shared 63 years of marriage with his beloved wife, Vivian Whitman. Together, they built a life centered around family, hard work, adventure, and many wonderful memories. Bob and Viv were inseparable as husband and wife and also made
an exceptional team as the proud owners of Pride Motors, a successful automobile dealership in Mahopac, NY.
Combining Bob’s “art of the sale” and gift of gab with Viv’s flawless office management skills allowed them to retire early after 20 years in business and together they enjoyed their retirement years to the fullest.
Bob and Viv were fortunate to travel the world together. Bob especially enjoyed traveling off the beaten path and discovering places most people would pass by. Some of his best times were spent at the family lake house in Deposit, New York, surrounded by his wife, family, and friends.
Bob loved hunting, fishing, gardening, buying and selling antiques, and working with his hands. He was an old-school, “fix it yourself” kind of man who rarely believed in sitting still.
At home in Putnam Valley, Bob treasured his daily routine of spending mornings with the “PV Boys” at the Putnam Valley Market, drinking coffee and sharing endless stories.
Bob was a devoted husband and father, an adventurous spirit, a loyal friend, and a fiercely independent man who lived life on his own terms. Anyone who knew him knew that Bob had his own way of doing things – and it was often “his way or the
highway.” That determination, along with his humor, strength, and unmistakable personality, made him truly one of a kind.
Bob is survived by his wife of 63 years, Vivian Whitman; his daughters, Gail Simmonds and her husband, Bobby Simmonds; Deborah Whitman Goldhorn; and Cyndy Hess and her husband, Bill Hess.
He was a proud grandfather to Ciara Clauss, Alexandra Whitman Goldhorn and her husband, Jake Ross, Robert Simmonds, William Hess, and Joseph Hess, and a loving great-grandfather to Ava Goldhorn Ross.
Bob is also survived by his older sister, Phyllis Mikelic, and his younger brother, John Whitman.
Bob lived a full life and was often described as a true fighter – someone who seemed to have “nine lives.” He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew and loved him.
A wake will be held at Heritage Funeral Home in Putnam Valley, New York, on Friday, October 9, 2026, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. The funeral service will be held on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bob’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.