Michael Matthew Whelan

Michael Matthew Whelan, beloved son of Patricia (Patty) Whelan, passed away peacefully on January 27, 2026, surrounded with love and comfort by family and friends who were with him as he passed.

Mike was born on April 17th, 1983, as a preemie, he was 11 weeks early, and sometime around his birth he suffered a stroke, which is a cause of Cerebral Palsy. He never let that slow him down, however, he was the youngest child at the time to get and use a motorized wheelchair, at just 21/2 years old! As he got older, he would go out and play with the other kids in the neighborhood, and usually it would be "cops and robbers", zooming around with the other kids riding on the back of the chair! If he got stuck somewhere, the kids would just come get me, we'd get him unstuck, and off they'd go again!

Mike was especially known for his intelligence and extremely sharp wit, but, most of all, his perpetual smile! He was a friend, a brother, and many times, therapist to many people! He always made so much darn sense, even as a young child, I would know when he bested me in a disagreement, and I'd just have to give in to him!

Michael attended Eastern Ct University, graduating in 2007 with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication, and a minor in Criminology. But Criminology was his love. He spent COUNTLESS hours watching crime shows, especially Cops, and On Patrol Live, recently with his best friend Nellie. While at Eastern, Mike was a Resident Advisor, and was loved by both fellow RA's, and students he interacted with, making and keeping friends to this day. Also attending and graduating college was his first beloved service dog, Trooper. Not sure how Trooper was able to graduate, he was quite the character, and apparently a first class thief of unattended burgers and pizza!
After Trooper passed, Mike received another service dog, Hopper. They were quite the team for many years, and was a major help in allowing Mike to live independently in his own apartment. After Hopper passed, Mike just couldn''t open his heart to another dog, so we got him a cat, Sophie, who he became his love and companion.

Mike leaves behind a trail of broken hearts, besides his mom, he leaves his sister and her husband, Lisa and Gordon McCaskill, and their 3 children, his brother Craig Whelan and his partner Holly. Also, his very close friends and caretakers, who we consider our extended family, Nellie Roberts, Terrell Williams, and Kara O'Dwyer, plus many more "caretakers" who became family also over the years also We were truly blessed that he was so well cared for! Also left behind are his 3 uncles, Charles (Chuck) Reid (Nedra) and Hardy and Danny Zwack,
all with whom he had the best Seinfeld episode sharing stories and laughs!!! He also left behind his Uncle Mark (Eileen) Whelan, and cousins, Bryan, Heather, Bridget, and Alex.. and his best long time friend, Dan Carter... (and way too many close friends of Mom to mention!!)
Michael was sadly predeceased by his father, Craig Whelan Sr, and his Grandmother, Barbara Whelan, who was his O'Mama and truly adored him! I'm sure she was front and center waiting with arms outstretched, saying "come here my dear heart!"

There will be a Celebration of Life party for him, and yes, it will be a party, which is what he would've wanted, at the Italian American Club, 85 Chase Lane, West Haven on Sunday March 8th, from 3-7pm... Please come share in the joy that was Michael Whelan.

Til we meet again my son, my love, my world will be not complete. I love you, Mom