Obituary for Robert Paul Whealn
Robert Paul (Bob) Whealn passed away on Tuesday, March 2, 2021 in New Haven, CT. He was predeceased by his wife of 53 years, Marie Capasse Whealn. He is survived by his four children, Deborah (Wayne) Hansen of Shelton, Dana Whealn of Branford, John (Adriana) Whealn of Seymour and Theresa (Mark) Odyniec of Madison. He is also survived by his six grandchildren, Robert and Matthew Hansen of Shelton, Meghan and Emily Cusack of Branford and Jacqueline and Paul Odyniec of Madison. Additionally, he is survived by his brother-in-law, Edward J. Capasse and his nieces and nephews, Thomas (Jeanne) Capasse of Westport, Mary (James) Carroll of Falls Church, VA, David Capasse of Bridgeport and Meg (Dan) Macleod of South Portland ME. In addition to his wife, he was predeceased by his parents Harold and Jane (Sullivan) Whealn, as well as his stepmother Nan (Driscoll) Whealn, his beloved aunt Elizabeth Driscoll and his sister-in-law, Esther Capasse.
Born in Brooklyn, NY, Bob loved going to Dodgers’ games at Ebbets Field. In his late teens, his family moved to Westport, CT. He enrolled in Fairfield University in 1949 where he was a member of the third graduating class. It was while he was a student there that he met his lifelong friend and future brother-in-law, Edward Capasse. After graduating college, he enlisted in the U.S Marine Corps where he served in Japan during the Korean War. He was honorably discharged as a 1st Lieutenant in 1955.
Bob was a licensed pilot and flew around NYC skyscrapers before airspace became restricted. He was a lover of dogs and an admirer of cats. He was proud of serving as the chairman of the initial St. Mary of Milford School Board, helping the school remain fiscally solvent. A long-time resident of Milford, he moved to Oronoque Village in Stratford 16 years ago where his outgoing personality helped him make many friends.
He retired as a Vice President from the Bank of Boston in 1990. In his retirement, he spent his leisure time golfing and bowling. He was also an avid reader and loved to discuss topics ranging from military history to philosophy. Most of all Bob loved being Papa to his six grandchildren.
Due to the covid pandemic a Mass of Christian Burial will be held privately for his family at St. Margaret Mary Church. Friends may attend the Mass via live stream at 9 am on Tuesday March 9, 2021. Private burial will be held in Willowbrook Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22478, Oklahoma City, OK 73123. https://www.cancer.org/involved/donate.html
Born in Brooklyn, NY, Bob loved going to Dodgers’ games at Ebbets Field. In his late teens, his family moved to Westport, CT. He enrolled in Fairfield University in 1949 where he was a member of the third graduating class. It was while he was a student there that he met his lifelong friend and future brother-in-law, Edward Capasse. After graduating college, he enlisted in the U.S Marine Corps where he served in Japan during the Korean War. He was honorably discharged as a 1st Lieutenant in 1955.
Bob was a licensed pilot and flew around NYC skyscrapers before airspace became restricted. He was a lover of dogs and an admirer of cats. He was proud of serving as the chairman of the initial St. Mary of Milford School Board, helping the school remain fiscally solvent. A long-time resident of Milford, he moved to Oronoque Village in Stratford 16 years ago where his outgoing personality helped him make many friends.
He retired as a Vice President from the Bank of Boston in 1990. In his retirement, he spent his leisure time golfing and bowling. He was also an avid reader and loved to discuss topics ranging from military history to philosophy. Most of all Bob loved being Papa to his six grandchildren.
Due to the covid pandemic a Mass of Christian Burial will be held privately for his family at St. Margaret Mary Church. Friends may attend the Mass via live stream at 9 am on Tuesday March 9, 2021. Private burial will be held in Willowbrook Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22478, Oklahoma City, OK 73123. https://www.cancer.org/involved/donate.html