Jay Merrill Whiston
- Jun 24, 2025
- 1 min read
In Loving Memory
✝ R.I.P. 1959 ⁓ 2025 ✝
Jay Merrill Whiston, 65, passed on to be with the Lord after a sudden and brief illness at Manchester Memorial Hospital, Manchester, Connecticut on June 20, 2025.
Jay was born in Manchester and was a lifelong resident. As a young man, he served in the submarine corps of the U.S. Navy stationed in Hawaii and San Diego. He returned to Manchester, where he worked various construction jobs, married (Winona - predeceased in 2019) and lived. Jay truly loved this town and in particular Wickham Park, Elizabeth Park Conservancy, and Rocky Neck State Park in Niantic.
Jay was an avid reader and loved nature. Jay was a self-taught amateur artist and practiced Native American culture. Jay was also a person with a very big heart and extreme spirituality. He gave an empathic ear when needed, helped when he could, and was very appreciative for all the deeds, social events, and caring Jay's family and friends bestowed upon him. His last few years were one of extreme gratitude and Jay peacefully passed on knowing this while he was surrounded by his family at his bedside.
Jay is survived by his siblings Merrill Whiston (Julie), Shawn Whiston (Allison), and Bryarly Petano (Thomas), brother-in-law Nicholas Chiesa (Lisa - predeceased in 2023), and many nieces, nephews, in-laws, as well as lifelong friends.
May the Lord shine brightly on Jay and may Jay and Lisa have many in-depth family discussions in their reunion. Rest in peace, Jay. Amen. Blessed be.
A private family burial service will be held at a future date.
Life is just too short, no matter the years, leaving only memories. May the countless, fine memories of Jay forever warm your hearts and bring smiles to your faces. May it comfort you to know that death was never God’s plan, (Gen.1:28; Rom.5:12; Rev.21:4) and loved ones will be resurrected (Acts 24:15) with the hope of life forever on a paradise earth, (Ps.37:11,29) as God intended. Until then, a fine person rests in God’s loving care.
Our home health care agency, Handz-On, Inc., was privileged enough to provide services to both Jay and Lisa. And after Lisa's passing, we took extremely good care of Jay. Jay will be missed by his Handz-On, "family". May he and Lisa rest in eternal peace.