After retiring from football, Mr. Whalen worked in sales for Ruby Wine Co., Somerville Lumber, Sherwin-Williams, and, most recently, at The Home Depot in Danvers. Before moving to Gloucester, he lived in Lynnfield, where he coached Pop Warner football.
“It was the ideal job for him, because the people he dealt with loved his football stories,” his son said. “He was a believer that you could outwork and outthink an opponent, and he hated to lose.”
In addition to his wife and son, Mr. Whalen leaves a sister, Rosemary Plauski of Hull.
A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday in Greely Funeral Home in Gloucester. Burial will be private.
Mike LoConte, manager at Home Depot in Danvers, said the break room was never dull when Mr. Whalen held court.
“He always brought in signed memorabilia that we would raffle off for charity or for our store’s social events,” LoConte said. “There are some heavy hearts here.”
Marvin Pave can be reached at marvin.pave@rcn.com.
