William Earl "Eli" Whitney II passed away Saturday after a long illness. After graduating from Baldwinsville High School he served in the US Navy as a Chief Petty Officer. He then went onto a distinguished career in law enforcement with the Baldwinsville Police Department and Onondaga County Sheriff's Department while working part time with several other local municipalities. Eli was also active with the American Legion and the Free Masons.

He is survived by his sister: Patricia Power; his five children: Debbie Keith, Larry H. Whitney, Brian Whitney, Bonnie Santmeyer & William Whitney III; 11 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.

A graveside service will be held on Thursday, August 13 at 10:30am in Kingdom Cemetery in Baldwinsville. The family will have a reception from 11am -2pm at the American Legion in Baldwinsville following the service at the cemetery.