Joseph Harry Whalen, 88 – Great Storyteller

Joseph Harry Whalen, 88 of Fountain Springs, passed away suddenly Saturday, August 1, 2020, at Lehigh Valley Hospital, Pottsville.

Born in Fountain Springs on Feb. 13,1932, the son of the late William and Eleanor Whalen.

He attended Butler Schools and was a lifetime member of Our Lady of Good Counsel/ St. Charles Borromeo Parish, Ashland. He was a member of local 524 Pipefitters Union of Scranton, PA.
Joseph was a loving husband and devoted father of four. His greatest joy in life was spending time with his family. He was a great storyteller. He was an avid hunter, fisherman, trapper and Notre Dame fan. He enjoyed meeting his friends for breakfast at May’s.

Surviving are his wife of 58 years, Helen L. (Schilling) Whalen. Daughters: Ann (Joseph) Wright Georgia; Connie (Christopher) Jankowski, Lehighton; Kathleen (Philip) Mattu, Gordon; and son, Joseph (Diane) Whalen, Ashland. Nine grandchildren: Michael, Chris, Cory, Lauren, Kelsy, Tyler B., Tyler W., Gavin and Colin. Six great grandchildren: Madison, Mikie, Bale, Callie, Skylar, and Carson Michael. He is also survived by his sister, Babe (Whalen) Costello and her husband Robert. Many nieces and nephews.

Mass of Christian Burial was held on Saturday, August 8, 2020 at St. Charles Borromeo Parish, Ashland, with Rev. Brian Miller officiating. Interment in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Fountain Springs.

Kull-Heizenroth Funeral Home, Inc. managed arrangements.