Skook News Obituaries: May 14th, 2025
Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.
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He was born March 7, 1943, in Pottsville, the son of the late Joseph T. Sr. and Marie A, Lynagh Whalen.
Father Whalen is survived by his sisters, Mrs. Maryann Dunn and her husband Ed, and Mrs. Kathy Quarles and her husband J Richard, five nieces and nephews, Kelly Quarles, Tara Dunn Herschman and her husband Joe, Christopher Quarles and his wife Marissa, Michael Dunn, and Caitlin Quarles McGrellis and her husband Barry, ten great nieces and nephews, Tyler, Trysten, Aliyah, Teagan, Gaibrial, Michael, Oliver, CJ, Ryan, and Theo, and one great grandnephew, Sawyer.
Father Whalen attended Saint Patrick Parochial School, Pottsville and graduated from Nativity B.V.M. High School, Pottsville. He entered Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary, completing his studies in 1971.
He was ordained to the Priesthood on March 27, 1971 by the His Excellency, Most Reverend Joseph M. McShea at the Cathedral of Saint Catharine of Siena, Allentown.
Father Whalen’s first assignment was Professor of Theology, Marian Catholic High School, Tamaqua, where he later served as Vice Principal. He also served as Vice Principal of Allentown Central Catholic High School, Allentown. Father served as Parochial Vicar, Sacred Heart Parish, West Reading and spent many years in Prison Ministry as a Chaplain at the State Correctional Institute, Mahanoy. Father Whalen’s first Pastoral assignment was Pastor, Saint Fidelis Parish, Mahanoy City, and later Saint Canicus Parish, Mahanoy City, Annunciation B.V.M. Parish, Shenandoah, and Saint Richard Chichester Parish, Barnesville. Father Whalen also served as the Vicar Forane of the North Schuylkill Deanery. Father Whalen was named Pastor Emeritus, Saint Richard Chichester Parish, Barnesville, on 19 June 2018.
Father Joe was a beloved son, brother, brother in law, uncle, cousin, and nephew whose presence profoundly enriched the lives of his family.
Father Joe was known for his boundless generosity, freely sharing his time, talents, and passions with everyone around him. His heart held a special place for animals, particularly dogs. He was predeceased by his loyal companions, Mac the Dalmatian and Wilhelmina (Willie) the Bulldog, who were familiar and welcome faces in the communities he served.
During his time as a newly ordained young teacher at Marian Catholic High School, Father Joe formed an AV Club, for the students themselves to film all the sporting events. He spearheaded the restoration of an old school bus, which the enthusiastic members of the AV club insisted painting blue with a darker blue whale on it, and which they drove their mobile studio to all events, capturing memories and inspiring a generation of students. That was Father Joe, he saw a need and he fulfilled it.
His commitment extended beyond the local community. A memorable highlight of his life was a visit to the Vatican, where he had the extraordinary opportunity to meet John Paul II. In preparation, Father Joe dedicated himself to learning Polish so he could greet the Pope in his native language. He proudly used his new skill, a moment that not only brought him joy but also famously elicited a laugh and the response from his Holiness “Polish is not your native language.”
Throughout his life of service, Father Joe walked alongside countless individuals during their most significant moments. He shared in the joy of new beginnings, uniting couples in marriage, and offered solace and support during times of loss, presiding over funerals, including the deeply personal services for his own parents. His ministry was a testament to his compassion and unwavering presence in the lives of others.
In quieter moments, Father Joe found peace and pleasure in the simple act of reading books on his front porch. His love of trains, which was ignited by his own father, inspired multiple generations. If you were lucky, you got to hear Father Joe’s karaoke song: Edelweiss.
Father Joe will be deeply missed by his friends, parishioners, neighbors and all those whose lives he touched with his kindness, humor, laugh and generous spirit. He will be missed especially by his family.
A Mass of Christian Burial for Father Whalen will be celebrated 1:00p.m Monday May 19th at St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church, Pottsville, by Most Reverend Alfred A. Schlert, D.D., J.C.L., Bishop of Allentown. Reverend Robert J. George, Pastor, Saint Joseph Parish, Summit Hill will serve as the Homilist. Principal Concelebrants include Reverend Monsignor Daniel J. Yenushosky, Vicar General and Pastor, Holy Trinity Parish, Whitehall, Very Reverend Eugene P. Ritz, Vicar for Clergy, Reverend Monsignor William F. Glosser, Vicar Forane of the Schuylkill Deanery and Pastor Saint Clare of Assisi Parish, Saint Clair and Holy Cross Parish, New Philadelphia, Reverend Philip F. Rodgers, Pastor, Saint Patrick Parish, Pottsville,the Reverend Monsignor Thomas D. Baddick, Pastor, Notre Dame of Bethlehem, Bethlehem, the Reverend Monsignor Edward S. Zemanik, Pastor, Saint Ambrose Parish, Schuylkill Haven, Reverend Robert T. Finlan, Pastor Saint Richard Chichester Parish, Barnesville, and Saint John XXIII Parish, Tamaqua. Family and friends are invited to a viewing Sunday evening May 18th from 6:00 -8:00 pm and on Monday May 19th from 11AM to 12:30 PM. A Vigil Service will be held 7PM Sunday May 18th at St. Patrick Church, Pottsville with The Reverend Monsignor William F. Glosser, presiding and Reverend Philip F. Rodgers will serve as the Homilist. Interment will follow mass at Calvary Cemetery, Pottsville.
The family would prefer remembrance in the form of contributions in memory of Father Whalen be made to Nativity Preservation Fund 1 Lawtons Hill, Pottsville, PA 17901
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These obituaries are being brought to by Mark J. Hummel Funeral Home, Frackville
