Charles H. (“Chuckles”) Whitehill passed away on July 5, 2022.
Chuck was a longtime Tucsonan and dedicated member of the Jewish community since arriving as a freshman at the University of Arizona (UA) in 1948. He was a member of Tau Delta Phi Fraternity. Shortly after coming to Tucson, he joined Congregation Anshei Israel where he became a life member of the Board of Trustees. He served as the attorney for Congregation Anshei Israel until he retired from the practice of law. He was actively engaged with the UA Hillel and held the position of treasurer when they built their first building in 1950.
Chuck soon became involved with the then Tucson Jewish Community Council (later the Jewish Federation of Southern Arizona) where he served on numerous committees and was active in Young Leadership. He was honored for his commitment to the Jewish community as Young Man of the Year in 1959 and continued on as a life member of the JFSA Board of Trustees.
He was an avid sports fan and attended thousands of UA athletic events that span 73 years. He was a member of the Wildcat Club, an Honorary Bobcat and Honorary Letterman.
Chuck is survived by his wife, Benita Silvyn, his son Jim (Jane Rodda) Whitehill, his daughter Judi Kessler, stepson Jeff (Keri) Silvyn, and stepdaughter Janice Silvyn; grandchildren Mitch Kessler, Melissa (Jim) Neidinger, Andrew Whitehill, Allie Whitehill, Bennett Silvyn, Ethan Silvyn, and Riley Silvyn. He was preceded in death by his wife, Lorraine L. “Rainey” Whitehill.
Services were held on Friday July 8, 2022, at Congregation Anshei Israel and burial and internment followed at Evergreen Cemetery. Rabbi Sara Metz of Congregation Anshei Israel and Cantor Janece Cohen of Kol Ami officiated.
Donations to his memory may be made to the Southern Poverty Law Center, Pima County Bar Foundation or the Lute Olson Endowed Scholarship for Excellence in Men’s Basketball.
