Thomas Carroll Whalen

Thomas Carroll Whalen, 97, of Annandale, VA was born on May 18, 1928 in Coraopolis, PA. He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Mary L. Whalen, of 54 years. He is the loving father of Jean (David) Zimmerman, Thomas E. (Lauri) Whalen, Timothy (Janelle) Whalen, Carol (David) Leonard, Mike (Tiffany) Whalen, and Mary (Jeff) Duplessis. Proud grandfather of 14 grandchildren: Donald, Katelyn, Alex, Spencer, Savannah, Jake, Kara, Drake, Jay, Marcus, Michael, Megan, Thomas and Emily as well as 6 great grandchildren: Emma, Drew, Katie, Alexander, Landon, and Reid. He is also survived by his sister, Marjorie MacLachlan, of Greentree, PA and 28 nieces and nephews. His brother, John R. Whalen, of Kensington, MD predeceased him.

A graduate of Coraopolis Senior High School in 1946. Tom proudly served in Korea from 1946 to 1948 before earning his Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering from Penn State in 1952. He began his career in marine and bridge construction around the Great Lakes, working there for 11 years before moving to the Washington, DC area. He served 32 years with the Army Corps of Engineers at Fort Belvoir, VA, retiring with a reputation for excellence and dedication.

Tom Whalen had made Annandale his home since 1964. Tom was best known for his charm and charisma while enjoying a pint of beer and conversation with his many, many friends at Kilroys. Even in his later years, he kept a spirited presence, perhaps the only 97-year-old whose children delighted in sending him Uber gift cards so he could continue to socialize with his friends in style.

Tom was active in the Holy Spirit Men's Club being one of the original members of the Holy Spirit Catholic Church when it first opened. Tom was also active in many social clubs to include being a member of the Old Dominion Boat Club.

Relatives and friends may call on Tuesday, August 19 at Fairfax Memorial Funeral Home, 9902 Braddock Road, Fairfax, VA 22032 from 5 to 7 PM. A mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, August 20 at 10:30 AM at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 8800 Braddock Road, Annandale, VA 22003. Interment will follow at Fairfax Memorial Park, 9900 Braddock Road, Fairfax, VA 22032. Following Interment there will be a reception at Kilroys, 5250 Port Royal Road, Springfield, VA 22151.