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Ron Whalen Obituary
Ron (Roland) J. Whalen Jr.
of Johnson City
Ron (Roland) J. Whalen Jr., son of Ethel and Roland Whalen Sr. of Johnson City, passed away on Sunday, June 3, 2007, at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital. He was predeceased by his young beloved sister, Judi Ann Whalen; maternal grandparents, Mary (Zello) and John Latsko; paternal grandparents, Frances (DeLong) and George Whalen. Ron was a dedicated Oneonta educator, writer, historian, archeologist, civic and community leader. He taught in the Oneonta City Schools at the Center Street School for over 30 years. The Center Street School Library "Ron Whalen Research/Reference Center" was named in his honor. Ron shared many school district committees and served as a member of the executive committee and treasurer of the Oneonta Teacher's Association/NEA-NY. He was very honored and privileged to have held many appointed and elected positions including City of Oneonta acting Mayor, member of the Oneonta City Council, Public Safety Commissioner, Chairman Oneonta Youth Board, and was currently serving as the longtime Chairman of the City of Oneonta's Civic Service Commission. Ron also served as a special assistant to Congressman George Wortley. He served as President/Board of Directors Oneonta Family Service, Executive Board Member Oneonta Historical Society, co-founder of the Carleton Emmons Watkins Society, co-founder of the NYS Historical Associations "Young Yorkers History" program, and was a member of the Upper Susquehanna Archeology Association. Ron is survived by special aunts and uncles, Margaret Yatsko, Dorothy and Andrew Saliby, Helen Whalen Madan, Blanche Gibeault and Michael and Jim Whalen; special cousins, Cherie Saliby Puszynski; and her daughters, Nicole and Michelle, Andrew John Saliby, Greg Gibeault, Cathy Smith, Lori Micha, Carol Coyle; Mother Superior Sister Mary Suzanne Sapa of the Carmelite Order, Bob and Eleanore DeLong, and Jean Roebuck. A special thanks to Dr. Steven Spivak, Dr. Bipin Patel and their staffs, Jim and Beverly Griffin, Jan and Dave Lutsic and their family. He was a member of St. Mary's Church in Oneonta and St. James Church in Johnson City.
Funeral services were private. Entombment was in Vestal Hills Memorial Park. Memorial donations can be made in Ron's memory to the "Ron Whalen Research/Reference Center" at Center Street School Library, c/o Librarian Mark Parmerter, 31 Center Street, Oneonta, N.Y. 13820, or Lourdes Hospice, 4102 Old Vestal Road, Vestal, N.Y. 13850.
Ron's life had purpose. He was a loving, giving son with a heart of gold who helped the young and old and no task was too big. God sent Ron to us to be a blessing to all who knew him and loved him. God now has taken Ron home to rest and his life had purpose. We will miss Ron very, very much. God Bless him. Mom and Dad.
Arrangements are by the J.F. Rice Funeral Home, Inc., 150 Main St., Johnson City, N.Y.
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Memories and Condolences
for Ron Whalen
Larry Wheeler
July 9, 2007
I am sadden at the passing of another 1965 JCHS classmate.
joe Jakubowicz (Jacoby)
July 8, 2007
Ron was my best friend for over fifty years. We grew up together in Johnson City. I never lost touch with him over the years, and he was always there for you if you needed anything. I am truly saddened at the loss for he was a true friend. My thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time. GOD BLESS
Tom Rombousek
June 14, 2007
Ron was a dear friend of mine since we met in college in 1968. I can honestly say that in sincerity, integrity, compassion, kindness and all around goodness, there was no one who could outrank him. If he was a friend of yours, you were truly blessed. I am devastated by his passing and it will only make it harder for me and those who knew him to go on. I know he is now in Heaven praying for us and cheering us on. He died the same way he lived: with a deep faith and gentle spirit. My condolences to his parents, relatives and all of his many friends.
Richard Spearbeck
June 14, 2007
Dear Whalen Family,
When I learned of Mr Whalen's passing, my mind went back to when I was in his class. What a wonderful man who was able to turn his passion for learning into a special gift for his students. Center St School has a special place in my heart and his lessons have passed the test of time. His kindness, focus of task, and positive reinforcement touched every one he taught. May God be with you in this time of sadness.
With my deepest sympathy,
Richard L Spearbeck Jr.
3rd grade 1971-72
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Michael Touse
June 12, 2007
Of all the teachers I've encountered, none had a more positive impact on my life than Ron Whalen. He was a model teacher and citizen and will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to all who are touched by this loss.
Bruce Haight
June 11, 2007
I was stunned and deeply saddened to hear of Ron Whalen's untimely passing. I have known Ron for decades, consider him a best friend, and suspect that he was truly a "best friend" to many, many fortunate people who were blessed with the opportunity to share time with this awesome human being. Creative educator, gifted counselor, patient listener, public servant, non-judgmental man of compassion, deep understanding and eyeopening insight, Ron's gentle but persuasive way of living is a rarity indeed. The world is a far better place because Ron lived here. I wish he could have stayed a lot longer!!
Bruce Haight
Johanna Primmer
June 11, 2007
I was very saddened to hear of Mr. Whalen's passing. I can still remember just where I sat in his classroom. His passion for history, especially local history, sparked the interest of many students including myself. My thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time.
Jerry Romanelli
June 11, 2007
Ron was a terrific person who loved serving people. His quiet demeanor and his dedication to public service will be missed. He was one of the few people who always had a good word for everyone. It is a real loss to lose someone like him at such an early age.
OZZIE WARD
June 10, 2007
SORRY TO HEAR OF THE LOSS OF YOUR SON
I GREW UP ON BANKS AVE BUT NOW LIVE IN VESTAL
marykay lynch
June 10, 2007
im sorry for your loss,may GOD be with you and your family through this hard time in life,,,,,,AMEN
Pat Sissenstein
June 10, 2007
So sorry to read about Ron's passing. He was a friend from JCHS Class of '65. My heartfelt wishes to all his friends and family.
Bob and Eleanore DeLong
June 10, 2007
Ron was a wonderful loving, caring friend, cousin and person. He was loved, very much, by everyone who knew him. Ron loved life and loved us all. Ron truly was an angel sent to touch our hearts and our lives with his love. We will miss Ron always. God Bless you Ron. We love you.
Les Grummons
June 10, 2007
Ron was a good friend, and an asset to the City of Oneonta, where he was a devoted teacher and public servant. I personally served with Ron on the Common Council, and always respected his opinion as he expressed it in a quiet but persuasive way. I know his love for his parents, as he was always concerned of their well-being. God bless you, Ron!
ted koeppe
June 9, 2007
Ron, you will always be in our heart,you helped my son become a good person and to take life by the horns,and do what you had to do, to get thu it, ted koeppe
Rhonda Meeks (Tourtellotte)
June 9, 2007
I had the honor to be one of Mr. Whalen's students in both 3rd and 6th grade at Center Street Elementary. I found him to be a passionate teacher who loved imparting his love of learning to us. I can still remember him bringing in green bread for St. Patrick's Day, and now do the same for my students. He was an inspiring teacher who helped his students understand not only the curriculum, but ourselves. I am saddened at his passing, but take heart in knowing that his spirit guides me as I teach my pupils here in Colorado. May God's love and peace be with his family, friends, and my fellow students as we grieve him.
ron shapley
June 9, 2007
Ron Whalen was a dedicated servant to the children of Oneonta.. He was a fine man who I had the honor of covering as a reporter in Oneonta in the 70's. He was sincere; respectful and committed to Oneonta's betterment. My condoldenses to his family.. I am saddened by the news.
David and Ann Barlow
June 9, 2007
Ron was a TERRIFIC teacher. Our son had him in 3rd and 4th grade,2001-2002 and we loved him. He made learning fun for the children, and the kids loved him. Center Street lost a kind, loving, caring, compassionate teacher when he retired. He will be missed by many including us. Thanks for sharing him with us. God Bless.
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