Obituaries

May 5th, 2009

May 5, 2009

Michael “Mike” D. Whalen, Sr., 52 years old of Boothwyn, PA passed away May 1, 2009 at Taylor Hospice House Ridley Park. He was born in Chester and raised in Boothwyn section of Upper Chichester to James and Nancy Manning Whalen. Mike was employed for many years as a paper hanger for Benner and Son in Newtown Square. He graduated from Chichester High School.

Mike loved horse racing and raced sulkies and harness racing at various horse racing tracks including Brandywine, Dover, Ocean City MD., Harrington, DE and Pocono Downes. He was an avid Nascar fan and enjoyed shooting sporting clays. Mike also enjoyed playing the guitar and restoring cars, and loved his Mustang and his constant companion Ozzy. He was a member of Holy Saviour Catholic Church and the United States Trotting Association.

Mike was a loving and devoted husband, father, son, grandson, brother and uncle. He is survived by his wife of 27 years Doreen M. Pierce Whalen, 1 daughter Dunnarie Marie Whalen of Bear DE, 1 son Michael D. Whalen, Jr. at home, his parents James and Nancy Whalen of Crompton, MD, maternal grandmother Dorothy Manning, 3 brothers James Whalen of Crompton MD, John Whalen of Florida, and Jesse Whalen of Crompton MD, 1 sister Nancy Lynn Whalen of Scottsdale AZ, 1 step brother Chuck Harrison of New Hampshire and nieces and nephews and many friends.

Family and friends are invited to his memorial Mass 11am Saturday in Holy Saviour Catholic Church, 108 E. Ridge Rd, Linwood, and to his calling hours after 6pm Friday evening and 9:30-10:30 Saturday morning at Joseph A. Ward Funeral Home. Inc., 1459 Market St., Linwood. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers Mike’s family prefers contributions to Taylor Hospice, 300 Johnson Ave, Ridley Park, PA 19078.