J. Gerard Whelan 61 a Needham resident since 1975 died on Monday April 25th at his home after a long illness. Born in Boston Gerard grew up in Marshfield later moving to Watertown where he was educated. He graduated from Saint Anselm College with a degree in Economics. A Financial Analyst, he formerly was with State Street Bank and has been with National Quality Review in Boston for the past 10 years. An avid golfer, he was a member of the Eastward Ho Country Club in Chatham. In his more recent years Gerry and his wife Jean enjoyed scuba diving and underwater photography. Gerry was the beloved husband of 34 years to Jean (Starrett) Whelan. Loving brother of Maureen Kelson and her husband Roland of Framingham and Susan Murphy and her husband James of St. Augustine, FL. Dear uncle of Robin Murphy of Pacific Grove, CA, Jill Stone of Hollis, NH, Stacey Herlitz of Sutton, NH, Heidi Kelson of Framingham, Cynthia Facteau of Auburn and Thomas Watson of Portland ME. Also survived by 7 great nieces and nephews. Funeral From the Eaton Funeral Home 1351 Highland Ave Needham on Friday April 29th at 8:00 AM followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Joseph Church at 9:00 AM. Relatives and friends are kindly invited. Visiting hours Thursday 4-8 PM. Internment services will be private. In lieu of flowers memorials in Gerry’s memory may be made the American Cancer Society 30 Speen St. Framingham MA 01701.