HARTLAND – John “Jack” J. Whalen Jr., 78, passed away peacefully Thursday, Sept. 10, 2009, at Sanfield Rehabilitation Living Center, Hartland. He was born April 7, 1931, in Holyoke, Mass., the son of John J. and Katherine (O’Neil) Whalen Sr. Jack graduated from Monson Academy, Wilbraham, Mass., Class of 1950. He received his associate degree from Bryant University in Rhode Island and married Elizabeth C. Coolidge of Pittsfield, April 16, 1955. They shared 54 years together. Jack served our country during the Korean War in the U.S. Air Force. He owned and operated Whalen Stationers, Northampton, Mass., from 1958 to 1984. After retiring, he and Elizabeth would spend their summers on Moose Pond in Hartland and they would winter in South Carolina. He was a life member of Northampton Elks Lodge No. 997 and was also a member of the National Rifle Association. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing and traveling. He is survived by his loving wife, Elizabeth Whalen of Hartland and Bangor; his wonderful friends, the Diemand family, who were just like sons: the Rev. James Diemand, Robert Diemand, Richard Diemand, Francis Diemand and Paul Diemand, and their families, all of Northampton, Mass.; and special friends, Dennis and Mary Ann Lyman, and Felix and Marge Mizula and family, all of Northampton, Mass. He was predeceased by his parents, John and Katherine Whalen Sr.; his brother, Dr. Richard Whalen of Ervine, Calif.; and Timothy Diemand. Elizabeth sends a special thank you to Dennis and Lois McKeering of Hartland and Joyce Duran and Sally Eastman, both of Bangor, for all of their kindness and generosity during Jack’s illness. A private committal service will be held at the Maine Veterans’ Cemetery, Augusta. Should friends desire, contributions may be made in Jack’s memory to the University of Maine, 4-H Camp & Learning Center, care of Scholarships for Fishing Camp, P.O. Box 188, Bryant Pond, ME 04219. Care for the Whalen family has been provided by Shorey-Nichols Funeral Home, Pittsfield. To leave a message of kindness, please visit www.shoreynichols.com.
JOHN ‘JACK’ J. WHALEN JR.
