Andrew "AJ" Whitt

Andrew “AJ” Jackson Whitt, 89, of Palatine, passed away surrounded by his loving family on February 24, 2026, in the very home he built with his own hands — a home filled with faith, laughter, and generations of love.

AJ was born on February 15, 1937, to Charles and Viola (Hill) Whitt in the small coal mining town of Anawalt. Raised with strong Appalachian values, he carried with him throughout his life a deep respect for hard work, humility, and family.

He proudly served his country for more than 30 years as a mechanic in the United States Army and the United States National Guard. A veteran of the Korean War, AJ held great pride in his time in service and maintained an unwavering love for his God, family, home, and country. He was a longtime member of VFW Post 981, where he valued the camaraderie of fellow veterans.

Mechanically inclined since birth, AJ could fix nearly anything. If he didn’t know how to repair something, he would patiently work at it until he found a solution that made sense to him. His hands built not only engines and machines, but also the home where his family gathered and where he peacefully spent his final moments.

AJ was also a longtime member of St. Matthew Lutheran Church. His faith was steady and quiet, reflected in the way he lived — with grace, compassion, and humility. He believed no one was better than anyone else and treated every person with equal respect.

Known as the gentlest soul, AJ had a deep love for nature and animals. He would nurse injured wild animals back to health and never hesitated to help anyone in need. Babies could bring an instant smile to his face. His favorite flowers were black-eyed Susans, reminding him of the hillsides of West Virginia and the simple beauty of home.

Above all, AJ was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather — the very best anyone could have asked for. He and his beloved wife, Rose Marie “Dolly” Whitt, shared a lifelong love story that began when she was just a teenager. Together, they built a beautiful, loving, and joyfully loud family. They treasured traveling in their RV, visiting his kinfolk, and making memories that will live on in the hearts of those who loved them.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Rose Marie “Dolly” Whitt; his children, Ruth Ann “Angel” (Ray) Anderson, Andrew G. “Andy” (Laura) Whitt, and Susan Marie (Scott) Morrison; his grandchildren, Trisha (Sammy Hernandez) Anderson, Ashley (Walter Reghi, Jr.) Anderson-Reghi, Amanda (Jose Belman) Whitt, Jenna Whitt, Brite Morrison, and Kash Morrison; and his great-grandchildren, Lucy Hernandez, Ruby Hernandez, Soren Reghi, Daymien Belman, Averee Belman, and Leah Whitt; and a sister-in-law, Shirley Whitt.

He is also survived by his cherished chosen family: Joyce (Rey) Deleon; Robert (Ola) Kopcinski; grandchildren Natalie (Nico) Caputo and Anna (Christian Jimenez) Kopcinski; and great-grandchildren Mia Kopcinski, Dexter Jimenez, Christian Jimenez, Nicholas Caputo, Julia Caputo, and Matthew Caputo. He also leaves behind many beloved nieces and nephews.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Comfort Keepers caregivers Anna Kopcinski, Mariya, Anna B., Norma, and Wilma for their compassionate care and support.

AJ was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters, Bernice Hayes, Martha Rager, Helen Comer, and two sisters in infancy; and his brothers, Lawrence Whitt, Richard Whitt, Jimmy Whitt, Buddy Whitt, and two brothers in infancy.

AJ’s life was defined by quiet strength, steadfast faith, humble service, and unconditional love. The home he built stands as a symbol of his devotion, but the true foundation he leaves behind is the family he cherished and the example he set — one of kindness, dignity, and a heart always ready to serve.

Visitation will be Sunday, March 1, 2026 from 2 PM until 6 PM at Davenport Family Funeral Home, 941 S. Old Rand Rd., Lake Zurich. Visitation will resume at St Matthew Lutheran Church, 24500 N Old McHenry Rd, Hawthorn Woods, IL 60047 on Monday, March 2, 2026 from 11 AM until the funeral service at 12 Noon. Burial with military honors will immediately follow at the church cemetery.