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William Whelan Obituary
In the 1930s, the family moved to Hodges Square in New London, where Bill worked as a paperboy delivering The Day in the neighborhood and at the Coast Guard Academy. After his 1947 graduation from New London's Bulkeley High School, Bill joined and served in the U.S. Army from 1947 to 1948. He later attended the University of Connecticut where he obtained his bachelor's degree in physical education, graduating in 1954. Following graduation, he worked at Mansfield Training School before moving to Waterford, and working for the New London School system in the special education program. During the 1960s, Bill spent several summers running the day camp at Seaside Regional Center, where he played Santa at the center's Christmas in August Celebration. He served on the Waterford Parks and Recreation from 1964 until 2021. He loved his work in the field of special education which culminated in his serving as principal of the Little Red Schoolhouse.
Bill is survived by Ceil, his loving wife of 64 years; his son Bill Whelan (Stephanie); and granddaughter Valentina Giraldo-Torres. He was predeceased by his sisters, Mary Whelan Clark and Nancy Whelan Mirabito.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Thursday, March 31, in St. Paul Church. There are no calling hours. Condolences may be shared on Bill's memorial page at www.neilanfuneralhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Whelan
Sponsored by Thomas L. Neilan & Sons Funeral Home - New London.
Wayde Werley
March 31, 2022
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived. Bill was always so welcoming and made you feel part of the family. I remember most the holidays I got to spend with Bill and the family. He always had you laughing with his many jokes he loved to tell. He was a wealth of knowledge and my son and I always talked about his stories of his work he would share, what a beautiful family and we are so happy to be a part of it.
Love Wayde and Brandon.
Diane Klotz
March 29, 2022
I have very fond memories of Bill as he always stopped in my office to share a joke and good conversation. He will be truly missed by Ceil and his son. RIP my friend...
Patricia Green
March 28, 2022
To The Whelan Family -
Am so sorry to hear of Mr. Whelan's passing. My condolences to the family.
Patricia Green
Judy Perrone
March 27, 2022
I am so sorry to hear of Bill's passing. He was funny, kind and a great boss! I always looked forward to hearing his jokes. He truly loved the students at the Little Red School House and they loved him!!
Joan Phelps
March 27, 2022
My condolences for your loss. Many memories from the old Seaside Days and the Little Red Schoolhouse. A wonderful man who gave much to the world. Rest In Peace, Bill.
Ed and Ellie Lawrence
March 27, 2022
Our hearts are broken at the news of Bill´s passing. He was such a wonderful man and friend. I was privileged to know him as a boss and as a friend as he and Ceil were regulars at my moms house in St Martin every year. He even brought his famous Santa suit to wear proudly on the beach (we have pictures to prove it). Our sincere condolences goes out to Ceil and Billy. RIP Bill
Jeff Vincoli
March 27, 2022
Although I never got the chance to meet Mr. Whelan, it has been a privilege to know his son Bill, who has been a great coworker, colleague, and, most importantly, a friend. My thoughts and prayers are with the Whelan family during this difficult time of loss and sadness.
Brenda Weston
March 25, 2022
I´m so sad to hear that Mr Whelan has left us. I first met him when we lived across the street from the Little Red School on Hawthorne Dr.
I often saw him again at the community center and he always had a smile for me and anyone he greeted.
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Thomas L. Neilan & Sons Funeral Home - New London12 Ocean Avenue, New London, CT 06320
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