Patrick J. Whalen, 62, of Middletown, passed away peacefully Aug. 22, 2021, at home. He was born on Staten Island, New York to Thomas C. and Ethel (Murray) Whalen.
Patrick graduated from Moore Catholic High School in 1977 where he was a varsity baseball, basketball and track athlete. He went on to attend SUNY Oneonta, graduating with a degree in chemistry. He joined the New York Fire Department in 1981 and spent 20 years in service, retiring as a lieutenant. He was a first responder to the World Trade Center Sept. 11, 2001, with Engine 163 Ladder 83.
After retiring from the FDNY, Patrick began working in construction management, ending his career with Gilbane Building Company. Patrick’s greatest pride was being a father to his three children with whom he loved vacationing in the Outer Banks, coaching basketball and summer barbecues in the backyard. He was a devout Catholic and parishioner of St. Catharine’s in Holmdel. Patrick was married to his college sweetheart Kathleen for 37 years.
Patrick was predeceased by his brothers, John and Daniel. He is survived by his beloved wife Kathleen (Dunne) Whalen; his loving children Shannon, Patrick and John; and his brothers, Thomas, William, Michael and James Whalen.
A visitation was held Aug. 25 at the John E. Day Funeral Home, Red Bank. A Mass of Christian Burial was held Aug. 26 at St. Catharine’s Roman Catholic Church in Holmdel. Interment followed at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Middletown.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent in Patrick’s memory to the Ray Pfeifer Foundation at theraypfeiferfoundation.org/donation or Tunnel to Towers Foundation at t2t.org/donate.
The article originally appeared in the September 2 – 8, 2021 print edition of The Two River Times.
