Great Sage of the Sea
Posts: 539
Location: Palm Bay, Florida | Subject: John Whelan
John Whelan VIRGINIA BEACH - Capt. John Whelan passed away Sept. 6, 2008, at his home. He was born in Whitman, Mass., Dec. 29, 1936, to John and Germaine Whelan. He was preceded in death by his son, Christopher. Capt. Whelan is survived by his wife, the former Mary Jane Sunday of Clearfield, Pa.; his sons, Richard, John Daniel and wife Suzy of Virginia Beach, Steven and wife Vivian of Powells Point, N.C., and daughter-in-law Cathy Whelan of Virginia Beach. He leaves also his grandchildren, Andrew, Hope, Skylar and Steven. He joined the Navy as an enlisted man in 1954 before entering the United States Naval Academy, graduating in 1960. He enjoyed a distinguished naval career spending 31 years mostly aboard nuclear submarines including the USS Abraham Lincoln, USS Sea Devil, USS Halibut and commanding the USS Tinosa and the L Y Spear. He served early in his career aboard the KD Bailey. Capt. Whelan also led staff submarine operations for Comsublant in Norfolk and Comsubpac in Hawaii. He earned the National Defense Service Medal, three Navy Commendation medals, the Navy Achievement medal, and two meritorious service medals. While having a distinguished Naval career, John's other interests included spending time out on the Chesapeake Bay fishing with his sons. He enjoyed all kinds of fishing, but especially good times were had during rockfish season. John took his family to Key West every year to enjoy the sunshine and the sea. He also spent time working diligently for the Chris Whelan Memorial Golf Tournament honoring his late son. He was a member of Eastem Shore Chapel in Virginia Beach. John was an exceptional man in his service to his country, but even more so in his love for his family. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday in H.D. Oliver Funeral Apts., Laskin Road Chapel. A funeral will be held in Eastern Shore Chapel Episcopal Church with the Rev. C. Christopher Thompson at 3 p.m. Wednesday. Interment will follow in Eastern Shore Chapel Cemetery. Online condolences may be made at www.hdoliver.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Virginia Beach Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 945, Virginia Beach, VA 23451 |
John Whelan
