Denny R. Whitmore

LITTLE VALLEY — Denny R. Whitmore, 80, of Little Valley, died Thursday (July 16, 2026) in The Hart Comfort Home in Wellsville. He left this life the way he lived it: surrounded by his large and loving family.

Born Nov. 9, 1945, he was the son of the late A.D. and Evelyn Eldredge Whitmore.

Denny attended Little Valley Central School and Sunny Hills High School located in Fullerton, Calif.

Denny met the love of his life, Nancy Gemmill of Cattaraugus, while she was home from travel school. They were married on Aug. 20, 1965, and raised their three children in a loving home that was always filled with laughter, music, good-natured teasing and fun times.

In 1977, Denny started his first business venture, owning and operating Elkdale Wood Products, until its closing in 1992. He ultimately went on to successfully own and operate Whitmore Logging, Cherry Ridge Hardwoods and Allegheny Mountain Hardwoods. Additionally, Denny conducted and maintained a long lasting business relationship and friendship with Dan E.E. Miller, of Cattaraugus.

Denny was a longtime member of the First Congregational Church in Little Valley where he served as deacon. Denny was very proud of the beautiful family he and Nancy built together.

He loved horses, spending time working in the woods, operating heavy equipment, the Buffalo Bills, spending time with family at their home in Lime Lake and attending his grandchildren’s sporting and other events.

Denny is survived by daughter, Britta (Mark) Yarnes of Portville; and sons, D.J. (Elise) Whitmore of Little Valley and Arron (Amanda) Whitmore of Bradford, Pa. He is also survived by 10 grandchildren, Kirsti Whitcomb, Brandon (Crystal) Yarnes, Tyler (Melissa Madonna) Yarnes, Gabby (Mike) DePonceau, Sierra (Zach Smith) Whitmore, McKenzie (Greg Knier) Whitmore, Logan (Jonas Hurlburt) Whitmore, Deni (Tyler Drewiega) Whitmore, Brianna (Samantha) Pieri and Evan Whitmore; as well as 11 great-grandchildren, Presley, Cameron, Mila, Kyla, Jackson, Jacob, Jamison, Andie, Aidan, Cannon and Casey. Survivors also include brother, Dorn (Yvette) Whitmore of Titusville, Fla.; sister, Wendy (Bill) Hundley of Sylva, N.C.; sister-in-Law, Joyce Gemmill of Gowanda; and many special nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Denny was predeceased by his loving wife, Nancy in February 2024.

Denny’s family and many friends will miss his adoration of family, quick wit and humorous sarcasm that made every get-together a good time. Denny enjoyed putting in a hard day’s work and giving his family the best life possible.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m Sunday, July 26, 2026, at the First Congregational Church of Little Valley, 301 Rock City St., Little Valley.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in honor of Denny to The First Congregational Church in Little Valley or to the Hart Comfort House, 141 E. State St., Wellsville, NY 14895.

Arrangements are entrusted to the care of tie VanRensselaer & Son Funeral Home, Randolph.

To leave a condolence for the family, log onto www.vanrensselaerandsonfuneralhome.com.