With heavy hearts we announce the passing of Kevin Arthur Whetstone. Kevin passed away on Friday July 14, 2023, at the young age of 55, surrounded by his wife, son, and family, after suffering a heart attack.
Kevin was born on January 6, 1968, in North Philadelphia to the late Mary and Joseph Whetstone. He was educated in the Philadelphia school system and later graduated from Harpers Ferry Job Corps. Kevin then pursued a military appointment with the United States Army until moving to the National Guard where he was honorably discharged after 10 years of service. During this time, Kevin worked with Philadelphia’s youth services. Kevin’s lifelong dream was being a police officer, following in the footsteps of his role model and uncle, Willie J. Sumpter. This dream was realized in 2004 when he was hired by Septa’s Transit Police. After 3 years, Kevin moved to the 39th district of Philadelphia’s Police Department where he spent the remaining 16 years of his life in service to the same neighborhood where he was born and raised. Kevin’s life was rich in experience and he was a member of Philadelphia’s Masonic Temple, the Guardian Civic League, Police department Boxing Club, and participant in the Police Explorers program for youth development, in addition to other affiliations.
Kevin loved sports, especially boxing, the San Francisco 49ers, and the Los Angeles Lakers. When not with family, he spent many hours with co-workers and friends at his favorite smoke shop enjoying a cigar. A truly genuine personality, the Kevin you met at work or on the street is the same Kevin we loved at home. Kevin had an ever present, infectious smile and never met a stranger. He was a respected, cool, funny, determined, and dedicated man in every aspect of his life.
Kevin leaves behind to mourn his passing longtime partner and loving wife of 4 years, Stephanie Organtini- Whetstone, daughters Brooklyn and April, and sons Kevin, Teron and Quinton, his only sister Gloria, younger brother Steven, and grandchildren Kaicey, Atlas, and Arsenio. In addition, Kevin will be greatly missed by his brothers and sisters in the Philadelphia Police Department’s 39th District, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, co-workers, and lifelong friends. Kevin was welcomed home by beloved mother, Mary, father, Joseph, grandparents, and mother-in-law. The family thanks the Fraternal Order of Police and the 39th District for taking care of Kevin and our family through this devastating loss. All are invited to gather, remember, and celebrate Kevin’s life on Monday July 24th at Zion Baptist Church of Philadelphia (3600 N Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 19140). You may visit and comfort his family during his viewing from 9:00am-11:00am. Home Going Service will begin at 11:00am with burial to follow in Chelten Hills Cemetery (1701 Washington Ln, Philadelphia, PA 19138).