Arthur's obituary
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Arthur "Art" Whitney, who left us on June 25, 2023. Art was born in Clearwater, Florida, to Arthur and Bernice Whitney on November 6th, 1959. Growing up in Clearwater with his sister, Mary Ellen, Art attended St. Cecilia Catholic School, JFK Middle School and Clearwater High School (class of 1977), where he developed lifelong friendships.
After high school, Art and his friends formed the much-loved band, The Fanatics. The Fanatics took Clearwater by storm and were a total sensation. The Fanatics opened up for bands Modern English, Thompson Twins, Stray Cats and more. Art’s talent for the drums was undeniable. His rhythms thundered through the hearts of the audience and zeal for performance captivated all who were fortunate to see and hear him play.
Starting in 1994, Art became the driving force behind A-1 Custom Cabinets. He evolved the business into a premier cabinet shop that designs and manufactures exquisite cabinetry found in hundreds of homes throughout the Tampa Bay area.
Art was a man of many talents and interests. His passion for living was contagious, as was his confidence and personable nature. Art lived life to the absolute fullest. He was a thrill seeker and always up for an adventure whether it was snowboarding, hunting, racing, camping. There was nothing he couldn’t do.
Art started riding minibikes as a kid and developed into an exceptional dirt bike racer who displayed his talent over decades of class-topping performances. He loved exploring trails across the country and spending time at Croom with his fellow Suncoast Trailblazers.
His favorite place to visit was Disney World. Whether he was charging to the front of the line at Space Mountain, doting on his granddaughters or camping at the Ft. Wilderness Lodge, he cherished spending quality time and making memories with his friends and family.
He was a devoted father, grandfather, brother and friend. He is survived by his daughter, Ryan Tyson (Son-in-Law David), granddaughters Elliott Marie and Blake Christine of Tampa, Florida, Sister Mary Ellen Fischer of Ellijay, Georgia.
Family and friends are invited to attend a celebration of life, which will be held at Sylvan Abbey in Clearwater, FL on July 29th, 2023 from 1:00-5:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers please donate to The Scleroderma Foundation (https://scleroderma.org/)
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I am very sad, & very sorry. I knew Art, his Mom, & his Dad extremely well. I am also a loving cousin of his sister. I …
I am very sad, & very sorry. I knew Art, his Mom, & his Dad extremely well. I am also a loving cous…
I am very sad, & very sorry. I knew Art, his Mom, & his Dad extr…