Peter J. Whelan, 77, beloved husband of Susan (aka Frankie) and father of Kia and Peter F. died peacefully surrounded by family on May 13^th.

Peter grew up in Rye, NY, graduating from Iona Prep School and went on to graduate from the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, MA.

Following his service in the Marine Corps, Peter went on to be McCann Erickson’s account supervisor for Coca Cola and atTime Inc. as Marketing Executive for Sports Illustrated, People and Discover magazines.  In 1987 Peter left the corporate world and founded The Whelan Company, a building construction company in Rye, NY.  He was active in Rye as a board member of the Rye Historical Society, Junior Warden at Christ’s Church Rye and a proud member of the American Yacht Club.

Peter and his family moved to South Dartmouth, MA in 2003 where Peter and Frankie built their home.  Belted Galloways were added to the property to complete their dream.  He was a valued member of the community, volunteering at SEMAP (South Eastern Massachusetts Agricultural Partnership) and the MA Department of Agricultural Resources.  Perhaps his most favorite activity in the last 10 years was being a docent at the New Bedford Whaling Museum.

Peter was deeply loved and will be remembered for his kindness, love of family and friends, and his amazing, hilarious sense of humor.  Peter never had a harsh word for anyone and had legions of admirers.

In addition to his wife of 44 years, Frankie, his daughter Kia Veltkamp (Brad) of Rock Hill, SC and “little” Peter Whelan (Neely) of Boston, MA, he is survived by his beautiful grandchildren Kaitlyn, Jack and Mabel and his brother Brendan, along with many nieces and nephews.  His family is so grateful for having such a kind and loving man in their lives and have countless memories to sustain them through these difficult days.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Peter’s name to the New Bedford Whaling Museum (18 Johnny Cake Hill, New Bedford, MA 02740, www.whalingmuseum.org).  Funeral plans are being arranged by the Wilson Chapelin New Bedford, MA (www.wilsonchapel.net).  A memorial service is scheduled for June 11^that the New Bedford Yacht Club in South Dartmouth, MA at 11 am.