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Patrick Joseph "Patsy" Whelan
October 07, 2018

Obituary

On the 7th of October 2018 Patrick Joseph “Patsy” Whelan passed away peacefully with his wife, Patty and son, Connor by his side. Born in Dublin, Ireland Patsy resided in Massachusetts for over four decades. Throughout his life and career as an Irish musician and entertainer Patsy’s ability to connect with people was truly amazing. His gift of friendship was a gift like no other. Whenever you met him he made you feel like you just made his day. What often started out as an appreciative fan of his musical brilliance often forged into a life long friendship. His inspiration, encouragement and support to many musicians will always remain part of his legacy. The memories that he left us with will endure forever. Patsy was captain of the strings, be it his fiddle, guitar, mandolin or his sailboat. He loved the sea and was honored to be a part time assistant harbormaster in Dennis, MA. All genres of music, nature, animals, cooking with a glass of cabernet along side him and “a perfect pint of the plain” were among the list of his favorites. Of course laughter was a huge part of him. Patsy was a snorter, when he’d start to laugh, he’d snort, and that would make others laugh, and he’d snort more, and that would make us laugh even harder. Patsy is survived by his wife of 41 years and best friend, Patricia Whelan, his devoted son, Connor and daughter-in-law, Lea Whelan and his grandsons, Ronan Patrick and Finbar Joseph. He also leaves his brother Michael and his wife Peg, his sister Philomena Anderson and her husband Paul Nolan, and many nieces and nephews. Patsy was predeceased in death by parents, Patrick Joseph and Frances McHugh Whelan, sisters, Margaret Palmer, Frances Plant, Delores Francis, and Rosaleen Moloney and also nieces, Elaine Whelan and Sandy Whelan.

Our love and great appreciation to Laurie Pidgeon, NP and to all those worldwide who prayed for this remarkable man. The family wishes to thank the medical staff at Massachusetts General Hospital for their dedicated care especially the Lung Transplant Team.

On the 2nd of December a Mass in Patsy’s honor will be offered at Saint Brendan’s Church, 589 Gallivan Blvd, (15 Rita Road) Dorchester at 2:30 PM followed by A Celebration Of Life Concert at 3:30PM at Florian Hall 55 Hallett Street, Dorchester.

Contributions would be most welcome to help support the family thru this difficult time. A Go Find Me page has been set up to help the Whelans' with the many expenses incurred during Patsy's illness. To make a donation, please visit www.gofundme.com/patsywhelan.

We were all touched by his love. For a lot of people Patsy will always be here.

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Gormley Funeral Service
2055 Centre Street
West Roxbury, MA 02132
617-323-8600