Obituary of Eugene William "Bill" Whalen

Eugene William "Bill" Whalen, 95, formerly of Navarino, passed away Saturday, August 5, 2017 at the VA Medical Center, Syracuse. Born in North Dakota, Bill lived most of his life in Navarino. He was a Marine Corps Veteran of WWII and was a member of the 2nd Marine Division. Bill worked 29 years for the William Wrigley Jr., Co. as a gum salesman, retiring in 1984. He then worked 19 years for the Town of Onondaga as Assistant Code Officer, retiring in 2003.

Bill was a 29 year member and past president of the Navarino Volunteer Fire Department. He was a communicant of The Church of St. Michael & St. Peter, Onondaga Hill. Bill was a member of the Marcellus American Legion Ralph Share Post 297 for 55 years, and a member of Chapter 30 – DAV. He volunteered many years at the VA Medical Center.

Bill enjoyed golf and was a past member of Tanner Valley Golf Course, Tuscarora Golf Club, the ORBS and The Links at Sunset Ridge.

Bill was recently predeceased by his wife Jean of 71 years, and predeceased by his brother John.

Surviving are his children Suzanne Walters, Michael (Beverly) Whalen, Diane (Roger) Shaw, Linda Russo and Deborah Rienhardt; 12 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandson; his sister Joan (Bill) Farrell; several nieces and nephews.

Calling hours will be from 3 to 6pm, with an American Legion Service at 6pm, both held Thursday, August 10, 2017 at Ryan Funeral Home, 44 E. Main Street, Marcellus. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10am Friday, August 11, in The Church of St. Michael & St. Peter, Onondaga Hill. Burial will follow at St. Francis Xavier Cemetery, Marcellus.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Legion Ralph Share Post 297, P.O. Box 3, Marcellus, NY 13108 or the Navarino Volunteer Fire Department, 3276 Amber Road, Syracuse, NY 13215.