Richard Matthew Whalen, 78, of Florida and formally Somerville MA, passed away after a brief illness at his home in Billerica on Thursday, May 22. He was the beloved husband of Mary Ann (Hannaford) Whalen with whom he shared the past 53 years and beloved father of Michele Whalen and Kerry Laurenza.
Rick was born on November 10, 1946, in Charlestown and was raised and educated in Boston area. After high school, Rick enlisted in the United States Air Force at age 19 and proudly served his country as a jet engine mechanic. A veteran of the Vietnam War, he was stationed in Da Nang during the war and was honorably discharged after 4 years.
Following his service, Rick held various job titles and was most notably known as a MBTA inspector, in which he retired from after 17 years working with the MBTA.
Following his retirement, he, along with his wife, Mary Ann, moved permanently to Florida in 2013 and spent summers here in New England to be closer to his children, grandchildren and other extended family. Rick enjoyed playing billiards/pool and played daily for the past 10 years.
Besides his wife, Mary Ann, he is survived by his daughters, Michele Whalen of Medford, Kerry Laurenza and her husband, James, of Billerica, his 5 grandchildren, Benjamin and his wife, Emma, Isabelle, Megan, Anthony and Andrew. He is also survived by his siblings, Paula Grace and her husband, Jack, of Billerica, Barbara Harty and her husband, Richard, of North Hampton, NH, Matthew Whalen and his wife, Karen, of Quincy, his sister-in-law, Anne Marie Whalen of Stoneham and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
He was predeceased by his late parents Matthew and Mary E. Whalen, and his brothers, the late Barry and Donny Whalen.
In lieu of flowers donations in his name may be made to VFW Auxiliary, Mail to Betty Rosa, 93 Church Street, Fairhaven, MA 02719
On Friday, May 30, all are welcome to attend his visitation from 3 p.m. until 8 p.m. at the Tewksbury Funeral Home 1 Dewey Street, Tewksbury, MA.
On Saturday, May 31, all are welcome to attend his Funeral Mass which will be offered at 10 a.m. at St. William of York Church, 1351 Main Street, Tewksbury, MA.
His procession for burial and full military honors will form in the funeral home parking lot on Monday, June 2, at 9:30 a.m. and follow to The Massachusetts National Cemetery, Connery Avenue, Buzzards Bay, MA for burial at 12:30 p.m.