Willis "Bill" Whittaker, Jr.

Willis “Bill” Whittaker, Jr. passed away peacefully on Friday, June 21, 2024, at Hospice of Northwest Ohio. Bill was born in Fremont, Ohio, to Willis Sr. & Atha (Luman) Whittaker. He was 81 years old.

Bill led a full life and made many dreams come true. While a zookeeper at the Toledo Zoo, he was active in field work and in-house conservation efforts for several species. He was an officer in the local AAZK chapter and opened the door to conversations about animal rights, hosting a first of its kind conference between the opposing mindsets.

He left the zoo field to return to college at the Ohio State University where he earned multiple degrees including a BS in Natural Resource Management and a BS in Philosophy, graduating Summa and Magna cum laude. He taught environmental ethics, following and sharing his belief in animal rights. He was respected by colleagues and students alike.

He formed a business with three others and developed a complete nutrition wild bird diet, followed by a 100% recycled plastic bird feeder that was marketed with success.

He met and married his soul mate, Nanci Pintavalli and they enjoyed 37 years of love and adventures.

Bill’s lifelong friendships with Rick, Don, Val, Wayne, Mike, Jim, and Molly were a corner stone of his life and he valued each relationship.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Willis, Sr. & Atha Whittaker, and his sister, Judith Whittaker. He is survived by his brother, Alan Whittaker; children, Monica (Tom), Willis “Bill” III, Erich (Bev) and Jason (Angela), as well as 8 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.

Per Bill’s request, a memorial will be held at a later date.

Cremation has been entrusted by the Cremation Society of Toledo. The family asks that memorial donations be made to Hospice of Northwest Ohio, or to the mental health charity of your choice.