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BORN
1949
DIED
2014
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James Whalen Obituary
WORCESTER - James Michael Whalen, age 65, of Worcester, MA died Thursday, October 30, 2014 at UMass Memorial Medical Center with his family by his side. Jim was born in Worcester, son of Agnes (Jennings) and Paul Whalen. Jim was raised in Northborough, and later bought a home in Worcester. He lived with his family for 13 years in Grafton, MA before moving back to their home in Worcester.
Jim received his Bachelor's Degree in Vocational Rehabilitation from Assumption College and worked at UMass Memorial Healthcare and Westboro State Hospital. He later earned his Master's Degree from Worcester State University and worked in the Worcester Public School system. Upon his retirement he enjoyed delivering meals for Worcester Meals on Wheels.
Jim loved life and loved to laugh. In his youth he traveled to Ireland, Scotland, and Europe, making friends wherever he went. He recently spent three months traveling around Oahu visiting his daughter Erin in Hawaii and was nicknamed "The Mayor". He loved his family deeply and his optimistic zest for life was an inspiration for all who knew him. We would like to thank Jim's many doctors at UMass Memorial Hospital. He often said he felt lucky to have the best doctors, especially his primary care, Dr. Robert Ferguson. Even though he struggled for many years with lung disease, he liked his visits with Dr. Ferguson for his wonderful care and their witty banter. His body failed him, but his mind and spirit will live on forever.
He leaves his loving wife, Nancy (Barron) Whalen of 34 years and children, Brendan and Erin. He also leaves his sisters, Dorothy Stockwell and her husband James, and Patricia Hartz, both of Florida. Brother in-law David Barron and wife Patricia, and many nieces and nephews, along with his best friend, David Foote. His parents and brother, William Whalen, predeceased him.
James' Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, November 4th at 11:00 am at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, 1290 Grafton St. Burial will follow in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton. There are no visiting hours. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Healing Heart Hospitality House, P.O. Box 2432, Worcester, MA 01613. Arrangements are in the care of CALLAHAN, FAY & CASWELL FUNERAL HOME, 61 Myrtle St.
www.callahanfay.com
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Memories and Condolences
for James Whalen
Jeannie Hebert
November 11, 2014
Nancy I was so sorry to learn of the passing of your dear husband. Please accept my sincere condolences and know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Dan Parmenter
November 6, 2014
My sincere condolences to your family...really love that guy, we were Blood-brothers from the Sixties and beyond!! So sorry I postponed reunioning with him since the mid-Eighties. Now he's gone on ahead...
Paula Moynihan
November 5, 2014
Dottie and family
I am so sorry for your loss.
My heartfelt sympany is with you and all the family
November 4, 2014
Sorry to hear of Jims passing. Great guy.. lots of good memories from Algonquin..He and Billy were always full of fun... Prayers :-(
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Shirley Tetreault
November 4, 2014
Dotty and the Whalen family. So sorry for your loss. High school and young adult life has lots of fond memories! Never a dull moment with Jimmy around.
Bruce Whittier
November 3, 2014
Jimmy was a very old friend from high school days. Although we never kept in touch over the years, I always knew the world was a better place because I shared it with him. I'm truly very sorry to hear of his loss.
Angie Dooley
November 3, 2014
Dear Erin,
I am so sorry for your loss, and am sending hugs your way.
Terri Hamill-Diaz
November 3, 2014
Dear Dottie and Whalen Family, On behalf of the Hamill family I am sending our deepest sympathy to the family at the loss of Jim. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Gina Gaudet
November 3, 2014
Nancy, I am so sorry for your loss. Healing thoughts are with you, Erin and Brendan....
Yvonne Martinez
November 3, 2014
Dearest Erin ~ I am so sorry to learn of the loss of your wonderful and dear father. It was an honor to meet him and your lovely mother during their visit to Oahu a couple of years ago. I am sending the warmest and deepest of the Aloha Spirit to comfort you during this difficult time. Much love, Yvonne
November 2, 2014
Dear Nancy, Brendan, Erin, Dotty and Patty,
I knew your family way back when in Jimmies early years. I am so sorry to hear of his passing. Words are hollow when grief arrives. I am so happy that the Whalen family was a part of my life when I was younger and wish Jimmies family love and wonderful memories of a most wonderful guy.
Sincere and heartfelt condolences,
Sheila Davis and family
November 2, 2014
Dear Nancy and Family,
We are so sorry to hear of Jim's passing. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Marsha & Fran Prunier
John Sullivan
November 2, 2014
I knew Jim many years ago. He was a good man, with compassion for others in need. Very sorry to the family.
lance and barbara fyrberg
November 2, 2014
so many memories....love,lance and barb
Cheryl Lopriore
November 2, 2014
Dear Nancy and Family-
I am so sorry for your loss. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Cheryl
November 2, 2014
My condolences Jim was a good man
Jean mills
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