Allan D. Whitney, 87

GILFORD — Retired Deputy Fire Chief Allan D. Whitney, 87, formerly of Gilford, passed away on Sept. 19, 2026, at Concord Hospital-Laconia with his daughter and loved ones by his side.

Allan was born on June 19, 1939, in Concord, the son of the late Elverton Wheeler Whitney and Madelene Laura (Palmer) Whitney.

Allan attended and graduated from Laconia High School in 1957. After graduation Allan enlisted in the United States Coast Guard where he served for four years. He completed boot camp in Cape May, New Jersey, and attended radio school before serving aboard the USCGC Duane, where he trained toward the rating of quartermaster. He later transferred to the USCGC Escanaba, based in New Bedford, Massachusetts, where he completed his four years of service in October 1961.

Allan continued his commitment to public service by joining the Gilford Fire Department as a call firefighter later in 1961. He was hired as a full-time firefighter in 1962 and promoted to deputy chief in June 1968. He served in that role until his retirement on July 6, 1984. On March 6, 1985, he became an honorary member of the Gilford Firefighters Relief Association, continuing his connection to the firefighting community.

Allan dedicated more than 25 years of service to the Gilford Fire Department, a role he carried with great pride and commitment. Being a firefighter was more than a career to Allan; it was an opportunity to serve his community, help others in their moments of greatest need, and be part of a brotherhood that meant so much to him. Throughout his years with the department, Allan was known for his dedication, dependability, and willingness to step up whenever he was needed. The friendships and memories he made alongside his fellow firefighters remained an important part of his life. His more than two decades of service reflected the kind of person Allan was — someone who cared deeply about his community and believed in being there for others.

Following his retirement from the Gilford Fire Department, Allan served as the head of buildings, grounds and maintenance for the Town of Gilford. He took immense pride in his work and devoted himself to caring for and maintaining the buildings throughout the Gilford community.

To complete his working career, Allan spent 13 years as a member of the grounds maintenance crew at the Laconia Country Club. His meticulous nature and exceptional attention to detail were valuable assets to the club, and he took great pride in helping maintain its grounds to the highest standard.

In retirement, Allan enjoyed spending time at the ocean, golfing, bowling, playing cards, and spending time with family and friends. He was also a devoted New England sports fan. He followed all types of sports with great enthusiasm and was always interested in keeping up with his favorite New England teams.

Allan was a devoted member of Gilford Community Church for well over 60 years, finding fellowship and purpose within his church family. In his later years, he served as a deacon, and generously volunteered his time to various church committees and groups. His years of faithful service reflected his caring spirit and deep commitment to his church and community.

Allan is survived by his daughter, Michelle Whitney of Laconia, and her husband Howard Cullen, along with loving companion Rita Varney of Goffstown, as well as several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Allan is predeceased by his wife of 52 years, Suzanne (Barnes) Whitney, his brother, Stanley Whitney, sister-in-law Justine Whitney, as well as Stanley “Warren” Whitney Jr.

A Fireman's Walk Through will be held at Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home, 164 Pleasant St., Laconia, at 4:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 2. Calling hours will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. in the Carriage House at the Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home, 164 Pleasant St., Laconia.

A memorial service will be held at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 3, at Gilford Community Church, 19 Potter Hill Road.

Burial will follow the service at Pine Grove Cemetery.

Allan's legacy of service will live on through the many lives he touched, the community he proudly served, and the fellow firefighters who had the privilege of serving beside him.

For those who wish, in lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to The Gilford Firefighter’s Relief Association for the Allan D. Whitney Paramedic Scholarship Fund, located at 39 Cherry Valley Road, Gilford, NH 03249.

Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services/603Cremations.com, 164 Pleasant St., Laconia, is assisting the family with arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial, visit wilkinsonbeane.com.