Edward P. Whalen

Mr. Edward Patrick Whalen, 84, of 2 Kittler Avenue, Adams, a longtime Adams teacher and coach, died Saturday afternoon, December 23, 2006, at North Adams Commons. He was born in Adams on December 9, 1922, son of the late Charles and Ethel (McConnell) Whalen, and graduated from the former Adams High School in 1940. He received his Bachelor of Science degree from American International College in Springfield in 1952, and earned his Master of Education degree from North Adams State College in 1964. He later took guidance courses at Westfield State College and Psychology courses at Williams College. A lover of sports, Mr. Whalen played baseball and basketball at Adams High and also at American International and North Adams State Colleges. He played in adult softball leagues and also played tennis for many years. Mr. Whalen was a Veteran of World War II, serving with the US Army Air Corps. He was stationed at Blixton Air Base in Bungay, England, and was assigned to the 446th Bombardment Group, providing ground and field support for the D-Day invasion of Normandy, as well as other engagements in the European theater. He was Honorably Discharged as a Sergeant in 1945. Mr. Whalen was a longtime educator in the Adams-Cheshire Regional School District. He taught English at then C.T. Plunkett Junior High School from 1958 until 1970; and at then Adams Memorial Junior High from 1970 until 1980. He then taught English, math and social Studies at Hoosac Valley High School from 1980 until 1988, when he retired after 30 years of service. Beside his teaching duties, Mr. Whalen was active coaching varsity and junior varsity baseball and varsity tennis for many years. He also served as a student council advisor for several years, and was a cooperating teacher with students from North Adams State for 5 years. He was a communicant of the Parish of Notre Dame and St. Thomas Aquinas, Adams. He was a member of Adams Post 160 American Legion, and the 446th Bombardment Group Association. He was an avid reader, with a particular interest in the Civil War and World War II, and will be remembered as a loving husband and father, who enjoyed his children and grandchildren. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, the former Nancy A. Rotolo, whom he married on August 13, 1949; 2 Sons - Edward P. Whalen, Jr. of Adams, and Kevin M. Whalen and his wife, Diane, of Pittsfield, MA; 2 Daughters - Karen Whalen of Williamstown, MA and Kathleen Whalen Thies and her husband, Mark, of Ridgefield, CT; 1 Sister - Isabelle Whalen of Pittsfield, MA; and 9 Grandchildren, 2 Great Grandchildren, and several nieces, nephews, grandnieces & grandnephews. The funeral will be held on Wednesday, December 27th, at 9:00 AM from the PACIOREK FUNERAL HOME, 13 Hoosac St. Adams, followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 10:00 AM in St. Thomas Aquinas Church, Adams, celebrated by Rev. Daniel J. Boyle, Pastor of the Catholic Parishes of Adams. Burial will follow in the family lot in Maple Street Cemetery, Adams. Calling hours are Tuesday, December 26th, from 4 to 7 PM at the funeral home. Memorial donations may be made to the Edward P. Whalen Memorial Scholarship through the funeral home.

Edward P. Whalen

December 9, 1922 - December 23, 2006