Whelan Sr., James P.

James P. Whelan Sr. of Canton passed away on August 22 at the Golden Living Center in Norwood.

Born the youngest of 13 children in Cambridge, Mr. Whelan was educated at St. Mary’s Elementary School and the Rindge and Latin High School in Cambridge. He enlisted in the Infantry Division of the United States Army and served with distinction in World War II in the European Theatre. Mr. Whelan received ribbons from the battles of Normandy, Northern France, the Battle of the Bulge, Rhineland and Central Europe.

Upon return from the war, Mr. Whelan was the sales manager for a floor covering business and later operated his own carpeting business for 27 years until his retirement. A lifelong enthusiast of all things sporting, he particularly enjoyed golfing on Cape Cod, where he and his wife, Mary, have a summer cottage.

Mr. Whelan was a former Fourth Degree and Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus in Canton and served in a volunteer capacity to the veterans at the VA Hospital in Brockton and also as the greeter in Canton Town Hall for many years.

Beloved husband for 64 years of Mary (Ford). Father of James P. Jr. and his wife, Holly, of N. Marshfield, and Brian J. and his wife, Mary Kay, of Canton. He was also survived by two grandsons, Benjamin and Tyler, and two granddaughters, Brianna and Michelle. He was predeceased by 12 brothers and sisters.

A funeral mass was held Friday in St. John the Evangelist Church. Burial St. Mary’s Cemetery, Canton. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the Canton Veterans Service Department, 801 Washington St., Canton, MA 02021, or to the Alzheimer’s Association, 311 Arsenal St., Watertown, MA 02472. Arrangements by the Dockray & Thomas Funeral Home, 455 Washington Street.

Short URL: https://www.thecantoncitizen.com/?p=15891

Posted by Canton Citizen on Aug 30 2012. Filed under Obituaries. Both comments and pings are currently closed.