Bernard Whalen

"South Hadley, Bernard "Joe" Whalen Sr., 84 died on Tuesday, May 29 at Baystate Medical Center with his family by his side. Born in Norwood on June 6, 1927, he was the son of John and Jeanette (DiNapoli)Whalen. Bernie was raised in Holyoke and attended Holyoke Schools. He proudly served his country in the US Navy during WWII and later worked for Curtis Business Forms before retiring. An avid sportsman, Bernie was a member of the Orchards and Ledges Golf Courses. Additionally, he was the team statistician and assistant coach for many years at South Hadley High School. He was a communicant of and very active at St. Theresa's Church. He will be sadly missed by his wife of 66 years, Catherine (Skelton) Whalen, along with their 5 children, Marc, Daniel, Bernie Jr, , and Dean Whalen, and Catherine Fournier, all of South Hadley, along with 4 loving daughters in laws, Marie, Linda, Susan and Cindy, and son in law Kerry Fournier. He also leaves his precious 12 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren and 1 great great granddaughter, to whom he was known as "Poppie". Funeral services will be on Saturday, June 2 at 9:00 a.m. from Beers & Story South Hadley Funeral Home followed by a Funeral Mass at St. Theresa's Church at 10:00 a.m. Burial with military honors will be private. Calling hours will be on Friday from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. Memorial donations in his memory may be made to American Diabetes Assoc. Please visit www.beersandstory.com to sign the memorial guest book. "