Whelan

Donald Whelan, 69, of Connoquenessing, passed away on Sunday, Nov. 19, 2023.

He was born in Rochester, on Feb. 26, 1954, to the late John Jr. and Dolores (Emert) Whelan.

Don graduated from Freedom High School in 1972. He was a part of the track team and played trumpet which he later taught his son to play. He was a member of the band Silver Sabers Drum & Bugle Corps. He enjoyed being in the woods or water and joined the Boy Scouts and canoe trails. After high school, he worked as a carpenter and was a jack of all trades; he was also a member of Alcoholics Anonymous. Don would help anyone out at the drop of a hat. He would later retire from Firedex of Pittsburgh.

Don met the love of his life, Joan (Perri) Whelan, in 1983. Don and Joan raised their son, Christopher, in whom they instilled a strong work ethic, a love of the woods, water, hunting and being a jokester. He truly loved spending time with his family. Carrying on a tradition of hunting, fishing or learning how to roast a pig at the annual pig roast. Don loved to sit around and tell stories. Don and his memories will be missed.

He was the beloved husband of Joan (Perri) Whelan; father of Christopher (Allison) Whelan and Donald “Donnie” Whelan; brother of Beverly Nye, Susan (Charles) Black, Cindy Friend, John Whelan and James Whelan; and brother-in-law of Ann Naim, Sue Weatherly, Michael (Kathy) Perri and Earnest Perri. He is also survived by numerous grandchildren, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and lifetime friends and co-workers who would call and check on him.

Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Derrick Whelan; and in-laws, Joe Perri, Joe Naim and Joyce Perri.

WHELAN — Family and friends of Donald Whelan, who died Sunday, Nov. 19, 2023, will be received from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday at SPENCER D. GEIBEL FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, 140 New Castle Road, Butler. A prayer service will immediately follow in the funeral home.

Please offer condolences at www.spencerdgeibel.com.

Please sign the guest book at www.butlereagle.com.