Obituary of Paul Douglas Whitbeck

Paul Douglas Whitbeck, 73, passed away on Tuesday, April 24, 2018 in his Delmar home. Paul was a New Year’s Eve baby, born on December 31, 1944.  He was the youngest son of the late Earl and Ione Whitbeck of Mechanicville.

Paul grew up in Mechanicville where his father worked as an English teacher. After graduating from Mechanicville High school, he went on to earn a bachelor’s degree from Berklee College of Music in Boston and did his masters work at Saint Rose College in Albany.  After graduation from Berklee he worked in NYC as a studio musician before touring around the country with his band. Paul eventually settled down in Delmar and spent most of his career employed by the Albany City School District as a music teacher where he enjoyed introducing young students to band. Paul was also a devout Jehovah’s Witness and loved spending time with his spiritual brothers and sisters sharing the good news of God’s Kingdom.    

Paul is survived by his two daughters, Heather Lupini of Syracuse and Catherine Schuler (Wayne) of Voorheesville and four grandchildren, Anthony & Julia Lupini and Mason & Carter Schuler. He is also survived by his sisters Dion Fox of Mechanicville, and Janis Capra of Warsaw, MO and his brother Earl Whitbeck Jr. of Saratoga.

Calling hours will be Monday, April 30 from 4:00 to 7:00pm at Applebee Funeral Home, 403 Kenwood Avenue, Delmar, NY. A memorial service for Paul will be held at a later date at the Bethlehem Kingdom Hall. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the charity of your choice in Paul’s name.