Obituary for Duane Howard "Whis" House
Duane Howard House “Whis”, 73, of Mays Landing, New Jersey, passed away on January 8, 2023 after a long battle with cancer.
Whis was born on November 12, 1949 to Howard and Pearl House of Webster Springs, West Virginia. At a young age, his family moved to Mays Landing, New Jersey. Whis attended Oakcrest High School, but graduated high school in CA while living with his sister and brother-in-law.
After graduating, Whis enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He proudly served on the USS Manley. After serving his country, Whis worked construction until he found his passion as a Master Tool Maker for Wheaton's plastic. At the end of his career, he retired from Hammonton Mold Company.
Whis was married to Nancy (Napolitano) for over 44 years. Together, they raised their sons, Jimmy and Chris, in Egg Harbor City and then Mays Landing, New Jersey. Whis, a proud father, was an active part of his boys’ little league baseball teams. He also loved to teach Jimmy and Chris how to fish, hunt and appreciate the outdoors. Whis was an avid hunter and loved his many trips back to his home state of West Virginia. He was passionate about hunting, shooting, and cars, especially his '62 Corvette “The Baby.” But his true passion was his family.
With the addition of his daughters-in-law, Tracey (Campbell) and Ashley (Evans) his title was soon changed from loving father to adoring grandfather. Poppop was an integral part in his 3 granddaughters’ lives. Toire, Ellie and Teagan could always make him smile. He was as excited to get their Christmas lists every year, as the girls were to make their list! Poppop could always be found cheering the girls on at all of their sports and activities. He also enjoyed simply watching them play! Whis was an amazing Uncle and Great Uncle to all of his nieces and nephews. Whis made some amazing lifelong friends. These friends have truly turned into family.
In 2018, Whis retired and spent his time hunting, working on cars and watching his granddaughters and nieces in their sports and activities. Family time was his favorite pastime. He made countless memories in his RV alongside his wife Nancy in their many travels.
Duane “Whis” was predeceased by his parents, Howard T. and T. Pearl House, sister Betty Jean House, brothers Otis Charles House and E. Paul House. Sister-in-law Theresa Oliver.
Whis is survived by his loving wife Nancy House (nee Napolitano); sons James House (Tracey House nee Campbell), and Christopher House (Ashley House nee Evans); Grandchildren Toire House, Ellie Jean House and Teagan House; Brother Arnold House (deceased Judith House nee Miller); sister Ella Dean Ellis (Kenneth Ellis); as well as countless nieces and nephews.
A viewing will be held Saturday, January 21, 2023 from 2:00-4:00 pm at the Boakes Funeral Home, 6050 Main Street, Mays Landing, NJ with a service at 4:00 pm. As a relaxed remembrance to Whis, please feel free to come in your denim jeans. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Ronald McDonald House.
Whis was born on November 12, 1949 to Howard and Pearl House of Webster Springs, West Virginia. At a young age, his family moved to Mays Landing, New Jersey. Whis attended Oakcrest High School, but graduated high school in CA while living with his sister and brother-in-law.
After graduating, Whis enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He proudly served on the USS Manley. After serving his country, Whis worked construction until he found his passion as a Master Tool Maker for Wheaton's plastic. At the end of his career, he retired from Hammonton Mold Company.
Whis was married to Nancy (Napolitano) for over 44 years. Together, they raised their sons, Jimmy and Chris, in Egg Harbor City and then Mays Landing, New Jersey. Whis, a proud father, was an active part of his boys’ little league baseball teams. He also loved to teach Jimmy and Chris how to fish, hunt and appreciate the outdoors. Whis was an avid hunter and loved his many trips back to his home state of West Virginia. He was passionate about hunting, shooting, and cars, especially his '62 Corvette “The Baby.” But his true passion was his family.
With the addition of his daughters-in-law, Tracey (Campbell) and Ashley (Evans) his title was soon changed from loving father to adoring grandfather. Poppop was an integral part in his 3 granddaughters’ lives. Toire, Ellie and Teagan could always make him smile. He was as excited to get their Christmas lists every year, as the girls were to make their list! Poppop could always be found cheering the girls on at all of their sports and activities. He also enjoyed simply watching them play! Whis was an amazing Uncle and Great Uncle to all of his nieces and nephews. Whis made some amazing lifelong friends. These friends have truly turned into family.
In 2018, Whis retired and spent his time hunting, working on cars and watching his granddaughters and nieces in their sports and activities. Family time was his favorite pastime. He made countless memories in his RV alongside his wife Nancy in their many travels.
Duane “Whis” was predeceased by his parents, Howard T. and T. Pearl House, sister Betty Jean House, brothers Otis Charles House and E. Paul House. Sister-in-law Theresa Oliver.
Whis is survived by his loving wife Nancy House (nee Napolitano); sons James House (Tracey House nee Campbell), and Christopher House (Ashley House nee Evans); Grandchildren Toire House, Ellie Jean House and Teagan House; Brother Arnold House (deceased Judith House nee Miller); sister Ella Dean Ellis (Kenneth Ellis); as well as countless nieces and nephews.
A viewing will be held Saturday, January 21, 2023 from 2:00-4:00 pm at the Boakes Funeral Home, 6050 Main Street, Mays Landing, NJ with a service at 4:00 pm. As a relaxed remembrance to Whis, please feel free to come in your denim jeans. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Ronald McDonald House.