Whitney Lee Jackson

MANCHESTER, New Hampshire – Mr. Whitney Lee Jackson, 86 of Manchester, New Hampshire and the loving husband of 70 years to Barbara (Smith) Jackson, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 16th, 2025 in the comfort of his home surrounded by the love of his entire family.

Born in Methuen, Massachusetts, Whitney was the son of the late Harold and Mildred (Daly) Jackson. He was raised and educated in Salem and continued his education attending labor studies and trade union programs to advance in his professional career.

Whitney embarked on a lengthy and profound professional career in the labor union as the International Vice President of New England AFSCME Council 93. His experience and achievements ranged from decades of hard work, delegation, and leadership. His skills granted him opportunities to guest lecture and lead others within the union; most notably his achievements of Tripartite Arbitrator for State and Community Colleges in Massachusetts, troubleshoot, mediate and present arbitration cases for the state of Massachusetts and New Hampshire.

Aside from his professional career, Whitney enjoyed retirement and passionately worked another 20 years to the automotive industry where he customized and built old cars at Kustom Kars, his shop in Derry, New Hampshire. Always in his car, he loved sitting at Hoods Pond reading a good book, staying busy, getting breakfast each morning with longtime friends or dining out at his favorite restaurant. He had a deep love for reading and learning about politics and a nostalgia for reminiscing, always with a story to tell and laugh to share. Whitney will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

In addition to his beloved wife Barbara, Whitney is survived by his children, Nancie O’Keefe and her husband, Glenn of Raymond, NH and Robert Jackson and his wife, Robin of Derry, NH; son-in-law, Dana Savageau of Derry, NH and daughter-in-law, Deb Jackson of Danvers; his beloved 14 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren; sisters, Judith Ames and Genie Hughes both of Salem; and sisters-in-law, Chieko Jackson of Lynn and Eileen Jackson of Beverly and many nieces and nephews. Whitney was predeceased by his beloved children, Bonnie Savageau and Mark Jackson; and brothers, William Jackson and Robert L. Jackson, Sr.

ARRANGEMENTS: Relatives and friends are invited to Whitney’s funeral service which will be held at O’Donnell Cremations – Funerals – Celebrations, 84 Washington Sq., (at Salem Common) SALEM on Monday, December 29th at 12 P.M. (Noon) with a visitation to be held prior to his service from 11 A.M. to 12 NOON. In lieu of flowers, donations in Whitney’s memory may be made to any hospice organization of your choice. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.odonnellfuneralservice.com.