Olavi S. Hautanen

PAXTON – Olavi S. "Whitie" Hautanen, 95, of Paxton and formerly of DeWitt, New York, passed away peacefully at home on March 25, 2009. He leaves his two daughters, Shirley and Sandra, his sister-in-law Doris L. Johnson of Vista, California, and his four nephews and their families. His wife, Eleanor J. Hautanen, predeceased him in 1993.

Whitie graduated from Syracuse University with a degree in Accounting, and started his career as an accountant at General Electric Company in 1936, where he worked for forty years until his retirement. In addition, he served for many years as Dean of the "Effective Presentation" public speaking program at General Electric's Heavy Military Division in Syracuse, New York. Whitie was an outstanding basketball and softball player in GE sports leagues. Around 1950, he earned his certification to officiate high school basketball, and he refereed at games and tournaments in southeastern Massachusetts and later in Central New York. Later in life Whitie became an avid golfer, and he was proud of the hole in one he made in 1975. Even after moving back to Massachusetts in 2002, Whitie remained a steadfast Yankees fan.

Funeral services will be private and at the convenience of the family. Donations may be made to the VNA Care Network, 5 Federal Street, Danvers, MA 01923. Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street, Holden is directing arrangements.

Website & Guest book: www.milesfuneralhome.com