Whitford, who passed in 2024, helped build the new bridge
By Kathryn Ross, pictured are Daniel’s Family on hand for the dedication
WELLSVILLE – A small group of people gathered on the Madison Street Bridge Friday afternoon to honor a man who played a big role in their lives.
Daniel Whitford passed away in February 2024. The bridge that now bears his name on a plaque was completed in the Fall of 2024. Daniel had been a major part of the project and building of the new bridge prior to his sudden passing.
Daniel Whitford was the vice president of LC Whitford and a general manager. His brother Brad Whitford said that once the bridge was completed the company asked for naming rights which were finally approved this past year by the county and the Town of Wellsville. He said the plaque is intended to keep his brother’s memory and legacy as a builder alive.
“He’d be embarrassed by this. But he’s been a big part of the family and it’s been rough for us to lose him. This has been cohesive for the family. Dan brought us all together again and missing him has brought us all together,” Brad Whitford said.
The L.C. Whitford Company has been in operation for more than 100 years and has completed many historic projects such as the David A. Howe Library and the county court building. Whitford explained that today they are busy with many jobs for the Department of Transportation in Steuben County, water projects in Virginia and working on railroads in nine different states.
“It’s a lot of work and we seem to be everywhere,” he said.
The bronze plaque honoring Daniel Whitford is located on the east end of the bridge on the north side.
Daniel Hayes Whitford passed away on February 5, 2024, after a tragic accident at his home on Cuba Lake. Whitford was survived by his parents, Chandler and Karen Whitford, wife Rochelle (Darling), children Ford and Stella and three brothers Brad, Rod, and Clint.
Read Whitford’s full obituary from 2024:
