John A. Whalen

John Arthur Whalen died Wednesday, November 22, 2017, at the Albany County Health Center following a long illness. He is survived by his four children: John Whalen, Mary Van Buren, Judith Hirt, and Jean Grizzuto, eleven grandchildren, ten great grandchildren, and his lifelong best friend Jacqueline Coonan. He was predeceased by his former wife, Josephine Whalen, and their eldest son, Michael Whalen. Son of Raymond and Theresa Whalen, John was a lifelong resident of Albany and the surrounding region, and a member of St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church in Albany. The eldest of four boys, he was predeceased by his brothers, Raymond, Arthur, and Joseph.

In 1942, during World War II, John enlisted in the U.S. Army, where he served as a signal corps linesman stationed in Europe. He participated in the invasion of Normandy and the Battle of the Bulge. John received the Good Conduct Medal, the World War II Victory Medal, and the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal for his service was honorably discharged in 1945. After serving in the Army, John had the opportunity to join New York Telephone Company. He retired in 1989 from Verizon. John loved to read, golf, and spend time with his family and friends.

Calling hours will be held on November 30, 2017 from 8:30-9:30 a.m. at Newcomer Funeral Home, 343 Newkarner Rd., Colonie, NY 12205. A mass of Christian burial will follow at 10:00 a.m. at historic St. Mary's Church at 10 Lodge St., Albany, NY 12207 which will be followed by internment at 12:30 p.m. at Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, 200 Duell Road, Schuylerville, NY 12871. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Mary's Church.