Jeffrey T. Whitney

Waltham – Mr. Jeffrey T. Whitney, of Waltham, died Thursday, December 29, 2016 at Newton-Wellesley Hospital. He was 47.

Jeff was born in Jamestown, New York, a place not far from Lake Erie. And unlike most of his family and friends who rooted for the 'hometown' Bills, Jeff became an avid Pittsburgh Steelers fan at an early age. After going to school in Jamestown he enrolled at Waltham's Bentley College where he played football and received his bachelor's degree in accounting. He later earned his master's degree in taxation at Bentley.

His early career was spent specializing in international taxation. In 2011 he took over the management of his wife Stephanie's optometry practice after she merged the operations of Welch Optics and Community Opticians with her own Paris Eyecare on Moody Street. Jeff was the 'go-to' guy in the office for everything from keeping the books to managing the web to keeping up with the maintenance . . . all jobs he loved doing.

In his off hours he found relaxation and enjoyment riding his Harley, hanging out with his dog, appropriately named . . . Harley, camping and golfing. Jeff's favorite vacation spot was in the Cayman Islands and he enjoyed listening to country . . . truly a man of varied talents and eclectic taste. He will be missed.

Jeff leaves his wife, Dr. Stephanie A. Paris-Whitney; his children, Elizabeth A., Jacob T. and Caroline M. Whitney, all of Waltham; his parents, Robert Whitney and his wife, Maryann, and Sylvia (Wilson) Opdahl and her husband, George; his brother and sister, Robert Whitney, Jr. and Robin Johnson, both of Jamestown, and several nieces and nephews.

Family and friends will honor and remember Jeff's life by gathering for calling hours in The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte. 20), Waltham on Sunday, January 1st from 3 to 7 p.m. and again at 9 a.m. on Monday morning before leaving in procession to Our Lady Comforter of the Afflicted Church, 880 Trapelo Road, Waltham where his Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Burial will be private.