Obituary of Michael James Whalen

Michael J. (Jim) Whalen Michael J. Whalen died May 21, 2011 at home after a long illness. He is survived by his wife, Catherine A. Whalen (Degnan) and his son Michael, his brothers John, Terence, and Joseph and his sister, Sheila Fullerton, and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his son Kevin, and his parents James and Mary (Finn) and his brother Brian M. Whalen. Michael worked as an auto mechanic after returning from World War II, prior to becoming a Newark Fireman, for 25 years, retiring in 1984. Michael was a consummate automotive and fire apparatus enthusiast. In 1968, he literally saved a 1926 American La France Fire Pumper, known as “Old Betsy” in Denville. It had been partially submerged in the Rockaway River near Fireman’s Field in Rockaway. He found the owners of it, who had purchased it at an auction years prior from the town of Denville. He purchased it, removed it to his home in Denville, where he dismantled it and restored it to its former original condition. In 1976, he entered it in the 50th Anniversary Parade of the Denville Fire Department, shortly after that he sold it back to the Denville Fire Department. Michael was also instrumental in the restoration of an Early Ahrens-Fox Fire Pumper for the City of Newark. He was also an avid MG car enthusiast. He was a member of F.M.B.A Local 4. He was past president of the Retired Police and Fire Association of Morris County Local 13. He was a life member of Firemans V.F.W Post #1851, and V.F.W. Post 3401, Morris Plains, New Jersey. He was also a life member of Our Lady of the Lakes K of C Council #3359 and life member of Walter J. Barrett Fourth Degree Assembly #0659. Michael’s funeral will be conducted from Norman Dean Home for Services 16 Righter Ave., Denville, NJ www.normandean.com, (please read full obit and light a candle in memory of Michael on web site), on Wednesday May 25th at 9am for a 10am Mass of Christian Burial service at St. Mary’s Church, interment committal service at Gate of Heaven Cemetery East Hanover, NJ. Relatives and friends will be received on Tuesday May 24th at the funeral home from 2-4 and 7-9pm.In lieu of flowers donations may be made to St. Barnabas Burn Foundation, 94 Old Short Hills Rd., Livingston, NJ 07039.