Photo courtesy of Luyben Dilday Mortuary - Long Beach
Long Beach, California
Jan 13, 1921 – Dec 5, 2020 (Age 99)
Harold Whalen, of Long Beach, CA, passed away peacefully on December 5, 2020. Harold was born in York, North Dakota. Harold was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He was devoted to his wife Josie, family, friends and faith. Harold attended the University of North Dakota before enlisting in the USAAC. He was a P-51 pilot in the 14th Air Force and served in China during WW II. After the war, Harold received his engineering degree from the Northrop Institute of Technology and went to work for North American Aviation/Rockwell INT’L. Harold was an avid golfer, loved to read and was devoted to his faith and was a member of the Knights of Columbus. His survivors include eight children, Maureen, Byron, Keith, Shannon, Vaughn, Patti, Larry and Jim, 19 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother Tyrone and sister-in-law, Arlene. He was preceded in death by his wife, Josie, a daughter Joanne, his parents Dora and Michael, sister Mercedes and his brother Michael. A rosary will be held at 3:00pm on December 10 at Luyben/Dilday Mortuary located at 5161 E. Arbor Rd., Long Beach, CA. Graveside services will be at All Souls Cemetery in Long Beach on Friday December 11 at 11:00am.
Luyben Dilday Mortuary (562) 425-6401
Read MoreAs we approach the 5th anniversary of our dad’s death, I am grateful for so many things. I am thankful for him being my dad, being a friend, being a good grandfather and great- grandfather, and one with whom I could speak about spiritual matters. I still think of things that I wish I could share with him and also know that he is with us always! ❤
Shannon Lutmer
December 02, 2025 | Tyler, TX | Daughter
Harold was a longtime member of St. Maria Goretti Senior Social Circle. Even though he was not able to attend our monthly luncheons for quite some time, he remained a part of our group. We hope that the many happy memories you have in your heart will be of some comfort during this difficult time.
Genelle Curiel
December 22, 2020
A characteristic of a life well lived is the family legacy that has been built during the course of ones lifetime. Josie and Harold built a dynasty of love and compassion as witnessed by their family. I pray for the repose of the soul of a true American hero and for the loving family that he created.
Jim Nieto
December 14, 2020 | Friend
Good bye and God bless you Harold. May our Lord's perpetual light shine upon you! We will be praying for you and your family. You have been a beautiful inspiration to me as man, a father, and now a grandfather; to be solid in your faith and pursue virtue. You were also a solid influence in my dad and how he lead his life and subsequently guided mine. I love you. Mark and Jane, and all the Whalens in Alexandria, MN.
MARK WHALEN
December 10, 2020 | ALEXANDRIA, MN | Family
I will miss you, Hal.
Susann Sullivan
December 10, 2020 | Long Beach, CA | Friend
Pastel Peace Basket
Shannon Lutmer
December 09, 2020
Harold and Josie Whalen
I loved my Dad very much and I am thankful that he has been reunited with my Mom and sister Joanne. I am so happy that he had a full, healthy life filled with family, friends and golf. I am so thankful that he was my Dad, but more so, that we became friends as I grew older. I'll miss his stories about his time in the US Army Air Corps and he had a million of them. I'll miss you Dad. I love you.
Vaughn Whalen
December 09, 2020 | Las Vegas, NV | Son
What an honor it is to call this man my dad and what a gift it was that he was with me for 62 years. My sadness for his passing is assuaged by my knowledge that he had a terrific life. Even after mom passed away he was doing amazing things; like hitting a hole-in-one on a par 3, 176 yard hole...at the age of 95! Thanks for the wisdom, teaching me how to love a woman, and how to be a better overall man.
Jim Whalen
December 09, 2020 | Scottsdale, AZ | Son
In loving memory ❤
Keith and Peggy Whalen
December 09, 2020 | Buckeye, AZ | Son
