John P. Whalen

DOVER PLAINS — John P. Whalen, 71, a 52-year resident of Dover Plains, died June 17, 2011, at his home. He was born May 16, 1940, in Chateaugay, N.Y., the son of the late Stella (Brickey) and Patrick Whalen. On March 3, 1962, in Dover Plains he married Donna Kniffen, who survives at home. Mr. Whalen earned an associate’s degree in childcare from Dutchess Community College in Poughkeepsie in 1970. He was a midline supervisor at the Wassaic Developmental Center for 34 years before retiring in 1995. He was a past Cub Scout Master of Pack 29 in Dover Plains, past president of the Dover High School Band Booster Club, and a former member of the Progressive Dairy Goat Club that supported 4-H projects at the Dutchess County Fairgrounds. In addition to being an avid bowler, he was past president of the Tri-Mountain Squares in Pine Plains and the North Country Squares in Plattsburgh, N.Y. He enjoyed playing the guitar at the South Amenia Senior Center and was a member and former elder of the South Amenia Presbyterian Church in Wassaic. In addition to his wife, he is survived by three sons, Kevin Whalen and his wife, Teresa, of Wassaic, Brian Whalen and his wife, Susan, of Wassaic and Darren Whalen and his wife, Kricket, of Hillsdale, N.Y.; a brother, Howard Whalen of Amenia; and two sisters, Marjorie Hill of Philmont, N.Y., and Rhada Ryan of Plattsburgh, N.Y.; and six grandchildren, U. S. Army Private 2nd Class Brian Whalen Jr., Bradley Whalen, Tyler Whalen, Kristofer Whalen, Madisen Whalen and Leah Whalen. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by three brothers, Francis, Lyle and Lowell Whalen; and a sister, Monica Marie Whalen.Funeral services were held June 21 at the South Amenia Presbyterian Church, the Rev. Nancy Thornton Mckenzie officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to the Wassaic Fire Company, Firehouse Road, Wassaic, NY 12592.The Hufcut Funeral Home in Dover Plains has charge of the arrangements. To send the family an online condolence, go to www.hufcutfuneralhome.com.

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