Obituary of John Patrick Whalen

John P. Whalen, 83 died on Thursday May 29, 2014 unexpectedly at home in Rockaway. John was born in Newport Township, PA and grew up in Newark before moving to Rockaway in 1959. He is survived by his wife Margaret "Peg" and his children Mary and Kevin McAloon, Ann Whalen all of Rockaway, Peggy and Pat Mulligan of Pearl River, NY, Jim and Jeanne Whalen of Flemington and Terry and Polly Whalen of Brick. He is also survived by his grandchildren Patrick, Michael and Caitlin McAloon; Katherine, Tommy, Kevin and Kelly Mulligan; Jimmy, Katie, Billy and Joey Whalen; Brenna and Johnny Whalen, as well as his siblings Sheila and Joseph Fullerton of Stroudsburg, PA, Terence and Sandy Whalen of Plantation, Fla. and Joseph and Hazel Whalen of Budd Lake. He was predeceased by his parents James and Mary (Finn) Whalen as well as his brothers Brian M. Whalen and Michael J. Whalen. He had worked for Western Electric in Newark for 35 years, retiring in 1989 John believed in God, Family and Community. He was actively involved in St. Cecilia's Parish, serving as lector, usher and many years as a trustee of the parish. He also served on a Paterson Diocesan Committee. John served his country during the Korean War in the US Air Force. He worked in the community serving on the Rockaway Borough Town Council, the Board of Adjustment and the R. V. R. S. A. serving as chairman. He was also a life member of Our Lady of the Lakes K. of C. Council #3359 and life member of Walter J. Barrett Fourth Degree Assembly #0659. He was a past Grand Knight and served as a state District Deputy. Funeral from the Norman Dean Home for Services 16 Righter Ave. Denville, NJ www.normandean.com on Tuesday June 3, 2014 at 9:00 AM for a 10:30 AM Liturgy of Christian Burial Mass at St. Cecilia's Church in Rockaway. Following the Mass burial will take place in St. Cecilia's Cemetery Friends may visit with the family on Monday from 2-4 and 7-9 PM. Please share a memory of John by lighting a candle on our web page. Donations are being accepted to Wounded Warrior Project P. O. Box 758517 Topeka, KS 66675.