Stephen Denny Whiting, 79, passed away peacefully at his home in Redding, while surrounded by his loving family. Steve was born on September 9, 1941, in Boston, Mass., to the late Richard Whiting and Frances Swett Whiting. He was the beloved husband of JoAnn Zakhar Whiting.

Steve received his master’s degree in electrical engineering from University of Bridgeport. He was a valued employee for Perkin Elmer for over 20 years and went on to work in IT for I.N.G. for another decade. Steve, a Newtown resident for almost 40 years, was extremely involved in the local community, volunteering for organizations such as Newtown Historical Society, Newtown Jaycees, a photographer for the Connecticut Special Olympics, co-chair of the Newtown Labor Day Parade, and an organizer of the Christmas basket program with the Newtown Fund.

In his free time, Steve had a passion for woodworking, which he fine-tuned over the years. He built everything from birdhouses to full reproduction furniture pieces and was constantly reaching for his next project to outdo his previous. He was also a hobbyist photographer with a passion for capturing life’s big and small moments. He was even known to keep a dash cam on his car while driving so that he could capture the beautiful Connecticut scenery and sunsets.

Steve is survived by his beloved wife, JoAnn Whiting, and their two daughters, Jacquelyn Whiting (spouse Brett Baker) and Cristin Whiting (spouse Colin Allured); as well as four grandchildren, Zachary Boland, Emma Boland, Julia Whiting-Bryant, and Colin Whiting-Bryant. Steve would want to be sure that we also shared his affection for his five “lovin’ puppies,” as he used to call them: Abby, Denny, Huck, Ozzie, and Trudy.

Steve was predeceased by his brother, Richard Whiting.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Steve’s honor can be made to FAITH Food Pantry or hospice and Ridgefield Visiting Nurse Association (RVNA). The family would like to express a special thank you to the nurses and staff of Ridgefield Visiting Nurses Association and hospice for their kindness and care in such a difficult time.

A Celebration of Life Gathering is to be planned for a future date.

To light a candle or leave a condolence, please visit danburymemorial.com.