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David Whelan Obituary
In addition to his parents, he leaves two sisters, Dr. Tara Whelan and Chelsea Brayman and husband Dr. Paul Brayman, all of Westerly.
David graduated from Westerly High School where he earned All-Division honors in both basketball and volleyball. He attended Franklin Pierce University and was currently attending Three Rivers Community College.
David had a million dollar smile, a sense of humor, and a set of baby blues that won the hearts of all who met him. He had the quickest of wits and a collection of size 15 Jordans to be jealous of.
He was a devoted Friar fan but his true love was for any good college basketball matchup.
David adored his nieces, Rory, Reilly, and Kennedy and his nephew Tyler, almost as much as they adored him. When they knew he was coming to see them, they would wait at the front door with a basketball, jumping up and down, cheering when they saw him. He could make a room full of people laugh. And laugh, and laugh, and laugh.
David was taken from this life much too early. His loss is immeasurable and he will be deeply missed by all of those who have had the honor of knowing him and loving him.
Visiting hours will be held on Thursday from 3-7 p.m., at Gaffney-Dolan Funeral Home, 59 Spruce St., Westerly. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m., on Friday at St. Vincent de Paul Church, 7 Church St., Bradford. There is no procession from the funeral home to church. Burial will follow at River Bend Cemetery, Westerly. For online condolences please visit www.gaffneydolanfuneralhome.com
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Recovery Residence at Enders Island.
P.O. Box 399, Mystic, Connecticut 06355
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for David Whelan
Bill whelan
April 5, 2025
Rest In Peace Cousin. Your family misses you everyday.
David McConnell
April 5, 2019
Dave is still always in my thoughts and I hope it stays that way. I miss him and Im still deeply sad but I believe hes in a better place.
Jay McDonald
May 3, 2018
Our deepest sympathy on the loss of your David. Shocked and sadden to hear of his passing. Rest In Peace. Jay,Kristi,& Joe McDonald
Susan Stone
April 30, 2018
Dear Whelan Family,
I am so very sorry and saddened to hear of the loss of your beautiful son. Though I have not seen him in many years, I fondly remember David as a sweet boy in our Woody Hill neighborhood. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. May your memories give you some comfort at this most difficult time.
Susan Stone
Lynda Gleason
April 23, 2018
Dear Whelan Family ~
We are deeply sorry for the loss of your son, David. We won't forget the time spent with David from our YMCA days. May your beautiful family memories help you through this difficult time and we will keep you in our prayers.
In sympathy,
Tom and Lynda Gleason (Kevin and Conor)
Sue Davis (Hutton)
April 16, 2018
Dear Whelan Family,
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of David. I can still remember him hanging around at the soccer field while Chelsea and I played. May his spirit and memory live on and heal your hearts. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Our Condolences.
Heather Meyer
April 13, 2018
Linda,
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this very difficult time.
With love and sympathy,
Heather
MARVIN
April 13, 2018
SO SAD DAVE WAS A GERAT FRIEND HE WAS MY ROOMATE LOVE THAT GUY SO MUCH HE WOULD DO THE WORLD FOR YOU AND ASK NOTHING HE LOVE TO BE A FRIEND TO ANY ONE HE MEET MY HEART IS SAD PRAYING THAT HIS FAMILY FIND CONFORT
Thomas Morrone
April 13, 2018
To the Whelan family, I'm so sorry for your loss, my deepest sympathy
Donna Douglas
April 12, 2018
I am so very sorry for your loss. I cannot imagine the pain you are feeling is feeling. God has David in his hands, and is holding yours as well. My most sincere condolences and prayers to you all.
Richard Gingerella
April 12, 2018
Dear Linda and Dave sorry for your loss
Richard and Gloria Gingerella
Worked at Stoingtown Middle Scchool with Larry
Julia-Anne O'Hara
April 12, 2018
To the Whelan Family,
I extend my deepest condolences to you. God granted me the blessing to have briefly met David Friday and Saturday. David was the first person to greet me and offered to carry my bags upon arrival on the Island. In the few interactions we had, he was so incredibly friendly, happy, and kind. Trust that God embraced David's light in His Divine Mercy.
Jane Davis
April 12, 2018
Dave, Linda, Tara, Chelsea and family,
I'm so very sorry to hear this heartbreaking news. It's a loss no parent should have to endure.
With love and deepest sympathy,
April 12, 2018
SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS, YOU WILL BE IN MY PRAYERS. LOVE FOREVER, AUNT MARIE, PS. TIME WILL HEAL ALL. TOM MISSON
Margie and Matt West
April 12, 2018
David and Linda,
Extending our deepest sympathy to you and your family during this sad time for the sudden loss of your son David. We are keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers
Sue Weaver
April 12, 2018
Dear Linda, David and Family,
So sorry to hear of your loss. My deepest condolences my prayers and thoughts are with you all.
Pat Geary
April 12, 2018
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Pat and Joe Geary
Vicky Ann Deledda
April 12, 2018
My deepest sympathy to you Linda, David and family. Even though Im away and cant be there for you, my prayers will be sent Godspeed with love to you all, always. So very sorry for your loss and deepest sorrows.
Vicky & Dick DiPietro
April 12, 2018
Linda, Dave and family, we are so very sorry for your loss. There are no words to help ease your sorrow at this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
David McConnell
April 11, 2018
My heart goes out to Dave's family and friends I still can't believe the news. I was close friends with Dave in my first semester of college. Dave had an honesty and openness to him that I'll never forget and will always admire. To me and everyone who knew him he'll always be tall, handsome Dave, his heart was as big as he was, and his passing profoundly affects me. I wish his family and friends all the blessings they need during this hard time.
Kathleen Clark
April 11, 2018
Dear Linda, David, Tara & Chelsea,
I was so sorry to learn about David.You will all be in my thoughts & prayers. My sincere
condolences.
Kathi Clark
Siobhan Armstrong
April 11, 2018
David, Linda and family, I'm so sorry to hear of young David's passing. I will keep your family in my thoughts and prayers during this unbelievably sad time. May God hold you in the palm of his hand. Take good care,
Siobhan (Totie) Armstrong
Jena McGuire
April 11, 2018
Dave,Linda and family,
My heart aches for you all. Be assured of my prayers for David and for you. May you find comfort in God's love and mercy at this most difficult time. All my love and prayers.
Bill Whelan
April 11, 2018
To my Uncle David, my Aunt Linda, my cousin Tara and Chelsea and their Family. My heartfelt condolences on the loss of David Michael Whelan. May God bless you all at this very difficult time. On behalf of my son Michael Whelan, who is unable to attend David's service, I would like to extend his condolences to our Whelan Family. May David Rest In Peace. All our love, thoughts and prayers are with you all. God bless.
Conor Ollquist
April 11, 2018
My heart broke when I heard this terrible news. Dave was a great friend and always fun to be around. Some of my fondest memories were playing basketball with him. We had really great times and those are what I will remember. My thoughts and prayers to the Whelan family, so sorry for your loss.
Christian Hebert
April 11, 2018
Linda, Tara and the rest of your family, I'd like to share that I thought the world of David, it was a better place with him in it. My deepest sympathies, I know there are no words, but I miss him already. God bless all of you, and give you strength.
Frank Esposito
April 11, 2018
Hi David,My Deepest condolences my prayers are with you and your family.
Frank J Esposito
The Kavanagh Family
April 11, 2018
We are so desperately sorry for your loss. Sending our love and thoughts to you all.
Michelle Jacobson
April 11, 2018
God bless you all , we are praying that you find peace , love , Bill and Michelle Jacobson
Tricia O'Neill
April 11, 2018
My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
I only knew David for a short time but his smile is something I will never forget and he will always hold a very special place in my heart .
Liz & Tony Gigliotti
April 11, 2018
Dave, Linda, Tara, Chelsea & family. Our hearts are broken on the loss of Big Dave who was like another son to our family. David was a beautiful soul and his smile & laughter was a special gift he gave to everyone he meant. We will miss him terribly & will be forever in our hearts. The memories we have of Dave, Chris & our families will be cherished.
Our love, thoughts & prayers are with you forever.
Cathy Howard
April 11, 2018
Im so sorry to hear about your loss. I remember Dave as a kind gentle guy who was always fun to be around. Praying for all of you and for his soul to be rejoicing with Christ.
Debra Pendola
April 11, 2018
Dave, Linda, Tara, Chelsea, and Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. David was a beautiful young man who brought so much love and laughter to all. He is at peace now and has left you with so many wonderful memories to hold tight to and cherish.
With heartfelt sympathy,
Debra Pendola
Brenda Richmond
April 11, 2018
Rest in peace
John and marge Fusaro
April 10, 2018
We are so sorry to hear this unexpected sad sad news. Sending our condolences to the Whelan family..
Christina Allen
April 10, 2018
Dave and Family, I am so very sorry for your loss, something no parent should have to endure. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
With heartfelt sympathy,
Chris Allen
Kellie Lynch
April 10, 2018
Dear Whelan Family, I am sorry to hear of David's passing. Thinking of you during this challenging time and sending love, prayers and radiance your way.
Pat Hewes
April 10, 2018
Dave, Linda and family, I am so sorry to hear the passing of David...may God bless and comfort you at this difficult time, Pat Hewes and family
Barbara Patterson
April 10, 2018
David, Linda and family,
I am so very sorry for the loss of your son and brother. There are no words to ease your pain at this sad time. Just know that all of you are in my thoughts and prayers, to give you strength to get through these days ahead. I hope the many beautiful memories you have of him will keep him alive in your hearts forever.
With deepest sympathy,
Barbara Patterson
April 10, 2018
Sending heartfelt condolences, my God be with you and your family in this time of sorrow
Martin Gaccione
April 10, 2018
Dave and Linda. So sorry. Sweet,nice,gentle young man. Try to remember the good times.. hoop with his buddies. That's what I'll remember. You guys are Awesome parents.
Love you.
Marty Gaccione(dad) and Renee
Lil Marty sends his best.
Erik DeWolfe
April 10, 2018
I worked with David on the railroad a few years back. He was such a nice kid and I am truly sorry to hear of his passing. Gone much too young. God bless his soul and your family
Jimmy and Gail DiPietro
April 10, 2018
David's family ;We want to say how sorry we are to hear of David passing .Our prayers to your family we pray that God gives you peace and may you feel His love and presence during this difficult time. Jimmy and Gail DiPietro
Tammy DeCoste
April 10, 2018
To the Whelan family I'm so sorry for your loss.we met him at Ben's Clark's house.So sad.Our thought&prayers are with you at this difficult time. From Tammy&Maureen DeCoste
Joyce MacLean
April 10, 2018
Dave and family,
I cannot even imagine what such a loss feels like. My heartfelt condolences.
Joyce MacLean
David Gervasini
April 10, 2018
May god be its you all David was like a son all my love and prayers
J Michael Downey
April 10, 2018
David was a wonderful young man he and his entire family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Rich Dumas
April 10, 2018
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Suzanne Johns
April 10, 2018
Linda and family I am so very sorry for your loss. you are in my prayers always
April 10, 2018
Our words cannot express our deepest thoughts and prayers for your Family. May God give you strength during this difficult time of grieving.
Kimberly Lawrence
April 10, 2018
My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
April 10, 2018
To all the Whelans, our most heartfelt condolences for your terrible loss. Paul, Ryan and Sarah Kuhn.
Claire St.Clair
April 10, 2018
Our hearts are broken at Enders Island. David was one of our shining stars and he will be missed terribly. My prayers and deepest sympathy is with his family.
Billy Quirk
April 10, 2018
Tara, Chelsea so sorry for your loss. There are no words. your Family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Brian Birch
April 10, 2018
Linda and family, I am deeply sorry that your son and brother was called away so soon. David was an awesome guy that made me smile and we had a ton of laughs at the Island where I work and met him. You now have a special guardian angel looking over you all. He is going to be deeply missed by all those he met and touched in his life.
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Gaffney-Dolan Funeral Home - Westerly59 Spruce Street, Westerly, RI 02891
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