Thomas H. "Tommy" Whalen Jr.

Thomas H. Whalen, Jr., a Lowell resident, died on Friday July 18, 2014 at the Wingate Neuro-Rehabilitation Center in Worcester. He was 65. Tommy was born in Lowell on February 20, 1949, a son of the late Thomas H. and Theresa (Dugas) Whalen. He was educated in Lowell and was a 1968 graduate of Lowell High School. Tommy was the quarterback for Ray Riddick's 1967 undefeated football team. This team was considered by many as one of Coach Riddick's best teams. Upon completion of high school, Tommy was drafted by the Pittsburg Pirates baseball team. He spent two seasons in their minor league system. Tommy then came back to Lowell and worked for the city in the Parks and Recreation Department. Tommy suffered a tragic diving accident in 1976 in which he was paralyzed. This accident did not deter Tommy from leading an active and productive life. He coached little league baseball at Gage Field and enjoyed many Lowell Spinners and Boston Red Sox games. Tommy was an inspiration to countless people with his will and determination. The Thomas Whalen Baseball Field was named in his honor. He was a member of the Dom Polski Club, the East End Club, and was inducted into the Lowell High School Hall of Fame. Tommy's family would like to thank the numerous people who have helped him through the years, especially the staff at Wingate Neuro-Rehabilitation in Worcester, Trinity Ambulance, Melinda and all the other spectacular nurses at Circle Home Health Care, Joe Dubois and Dickens Jean, his personal care attendants, and everyone else that helped him along the way. Survivors include his brothers, Cliff Whalen of Lowell, Kenneth Whalen of Salisbury; two sisters in law, Patricia Whalen of Lowell, Joyce Whalen of IL; nephews and nieces, Thomas and Elizabeth Whalen of Lowell, Damon Whalen of NC, Shawn Whalen of Lowell, Erin Whalen of Lowell, Gregory Whalen of Salisbury; uncles and aunts, George Dugas of Bedford, Roger and Mary Dugas of Lowell, Yvette Ouellette of Dracut; and many cousins and dear friends. He was also the brother of the late Timothy Whalen and nephew of the late Rita Doherty and Armand Dugas.