Donald J. Whelihan

HOLYOKE

Donald J. Whelihan, age 74, of Holyoke, died Saturday, October 20, 2018 at Vibra Hospital in Leicester, MA. Donald was born in Holyoke, son of the late Thomas and Nora (Gorman) Whelihan, and graduated from Holyoke High School, where he had an illustrious varsity All-Western Mass athletic career in football, basketball and baseball. He retired from the Holyoke Police Department as a Lieutenant, serving the city for 38 years. He was a member of the Holyoke Elks #902, Knights of Columbus Council #90, and a Parishioner of Our Lady of the Cross Church. Donald enjoyed traveling with his wife of forty-five years and spending time with friends at the Holyoke Council On Aging.  Donald is survived by his wife Barbara A. (Fontaine) Whelihan; three daughters: Mary Laura Hohol and her husband Thomas, Nora Moreau and her husband Gerry, and Lauren Whelihan, all of Holyoke; three grandchildren: Gerry, Samantha, and Declan; a brother, Thomas Whelihan and his wife Claire; a sister, Ruth Ellen Allyn and her husband Billy; his sister-in-law, Millie Whelihan all of Holyoke, and many nieces and nephews. Donald was predeceased by his brother, John E. Whelihan. The funeral will be held Thursday, October 25 at 9:00am from the Barry J. Farrell Funeral Home, 2049 Northampton Street, followed by Mass in Our lady of the Cross Church at 10:00am. Burial will be private. Calling hours are Wednesday from 4:00 to 7:00pm. The family asks to please omit flowers. Memorial Contributions can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Pl, Memphis, TN 38105

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