Edward James Whelan, Jr., M.D.

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Celebrating the life of
Edward James Whelan, Jr., M.D.January 22, 1931 - October 05, 2010

Edward J. Whelan, Jr., M.D.
Physician – Athlete - Family Man - Irish Gentleman

SAVANNAH – Dr. Edward J. Whelan, Jr. died peacefully in his sleep, at home and with his wife at his side, on Tuesday, October 5, 2010.

Dr. Whelan was born in Savannah January 22, 1931, the son of Edward James Whelan, M.D. and Louise Young Whelan of Georgetown, Washington, D.C. He attended Sacred Heart School and Benedictine Military School, graduating in 1948. He attended the University of Notre Dame, initially enrolling in the School of Theology, with ideas of a priestly vocation. He played semi-professional baseball while at the University, not surprising with his heavy exposure to the sport during his father's ownership of the Savannah Indians baseball team. He graduated in 1953 and served in the United States Air Force during the Korean conflict.

Dr. Whelan graduated from the Medical College of Georgia in 1958 and interned at Mercy Hospital in Buffalo, New York. He completed his Urology Residency at Georgetown University Hospital in 1963, a most fitting family homecoming of sorts: his ancestor having donated to Georgetown the land on which the old hospital was built. He returned to Savannah and maintained a private practice of Urology until he retired in September 1989. He continued to assist in surgery until 2003 until he fully retired.

Dr. Whelan was elected to membership in the Hibernian Society in 1973. He served four years on the Board of Stewards, the last year as chairman. He was elected to serve as president of the Hibernian Society 1987 – 1988.

Dr. Whelan was a communicant of the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist. He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward James Whelan, M.D. and Louise Young Whelan, and a sister, Jacqueline Whelan Colcock.

Surviving are his wife, Beth Neville Whelan; five sons, Dr. Edward J. Whelan III Grace of Savannah, Timothy Neville Whelan of Savannah, Terence Patrick Whelan of Douglas, GA, Brian Gregory Whelan Libby of Atlanta, and Mathew Joseph Whelan Ashley of Savannah; a sister, Helen Marie Whelan Doolan Billy of Savannah; brother in law, Dr Lester Neville Jr. Marsha; 12 grandchildren and 14 nieces and nephews.

Visitation from 5:00 pm to 7:00pm with a Rosary at 6:00pm on Friday, October 8, 2010 at Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, October 9, 2010 at St. James Catholic Church.

Burial will follow at the Catholic Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers the family request memorial contributions be made to the Alzheimer's Association or Islands Hospice.

SHARE YOUR CONDOLENCES

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GUEST BOOK

I think of Dr. Whelan every year at this time, he used to love the Masters. He helped me with my boys, having had boys of his own. When I thought it was the end of the world because of their behaviors, he helped me see daylight. I am so very sorry for your loss. The few years I worked with him at Candler were some of the best. He was always there to help.

- Linda Litwin, Factoryville, PA

Mrs Whelan, I'm so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Love, Mimi

- Mimi Cirincione Nettles, Ridgeland, SC

Beth, I'm so sorry to hear about Eddie. I just want you to know that I am thinking about you and I'm so sorry for your loss. Love, Gloria

- Gloria A. Cirincione, Savannah, GA

My thoughts and sincerest condolescences are with you and your family at this difficult time. I empathize completely since we just lost Dad to the same illness in June. I hope you can find comfort in the thought that he is whole again. If there's anything I can do for you or your family, please let me know.

- Kara Cox, Savannah, GA

I am sorry for your lost. You and your family are in my prayers

- Karen Proctor, Savannah, GA

Very sorry for your loss.

- Billy Sistrunk, Savannah, GA

I am so sorry for your loss.

- Patricia Lightfoot, Savannah, GA

I am sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

- Laura, Savannah, GA

My families prayers are with you.

- Jessica Stelling, Savannah, GA

Mr.Whelan So sorry to hear of your dads passing. May the Lord God keep,shelter, and be present as always with you and you family. My prayers are for your good.

- Dita Jacobs, Savannah, GA

Matt and Family, So sorry to hear about the loss to your family. We'll keep you in prayers and thoughts for sure. God Bless, Walt

- Walt Renz, Hinesville, GA

Dear Matt and Family, I am very sorry to hear of your loss. 'Those are not forgotten that live in our hearts.'

- Todd Brazzell, Savannah, GA

I am sorry for your families loss. You and your family are in my prayers.

- Barbara Pochet, savannah, GA

dear terry and family, i am very sorry about mr. whalen's passing. what a very peaceful way to go. i read the obit. in the paper and wanted to express my sympathy to you terry as well as the rest of the family. my prayers and thoughts are with you. thoughtfully yours, thresa terry, pls. call me sometime when you are in town 786-4104

- thresa kitchens, tybee island, GA

Beth, You are in our prayers, Wilhelmina and Mary Lee

- Mary Lee Webb, Springfield, GA

Dr. Edward III, My deepest and most sincere condolences at the death of your father. God be with you and your family during this time of recovery.

- Patricia F. Gibbs, Tybee Island, GA

so sorry for the loss of dr.whelan-he saved my life not 30 yrs ago, but 40 yrs ago

- shirley hill, sylvania, GA

Dear Beth, Youand your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Sally and Archie Davis

- Sally and Archie Davis, Savannah, GA

BETH, YOU AND YOUR FAMILY ARE IN OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS. WITH DEEPEST SYMPATHY.

- THERESA & CALHOUN HARRIS, JACKSONVILLE, FL

My family and I wish to express our condolences to your family. We love your family.

- Judy McElhannon, Douglasville, GA

Eddie was a wonderful colleague, a dedicated physician and a measure above most men. I am proud to have known him and had the honor of working with him.

- Dr John M Fillingim, SAVANNAH, GA

I was so sorry to hear of the death of your father. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Eternal rest unto him and let your perpetual light shine. May the soul of Edward J. Whelan, Jr. and all the faithfully departed in the mercy of God rest in peace. Amen

- Terry Spillane, Savannah, GA

Dr. Whelan was a fine physician dedicated to his patients. I was privileged to work with him at Candler. My sympathy goes to the family.

- Beverly Kennedy,RN, Tybee Island, GA

It is with great sadness that I learned of the loss of this great physician. I had the privilege to work with him at Candler Hospital in my nursing capacity. My heartfelt sympathy to his family.

- LINDA RICHARDSON, HINESVILLE, GA

Our deepest sympathy. Your family is our thoughts and prayers.

- Vincent & Helen Ferraro, Savannah, GA

We send our Christian sympathy to the Whelan family. May God grant you continued strength and peace. Agape, Sandi and Alan

- Sandi and Alan Beals, Savannah, GA

Dear Beth and Family, Our deepest sympathy to all of you on the passing of Eddie.He had a great life surrounded by love from his family and friends.He will be missed by many.You are in our thoughts and prayers.

- Tom and Judy Mahoney, Savannah, GA

Dear Eddie, Biddy and family, You are in our thoughts and prayers. Matthew and Michael remember fondly all the times Josh and 'Grandad Whelan' would take them to play golf when they were younger. May knowing he had such a wonderful life give you comfort. The Saunders Family Lori, Rick, Matthew, Michael & Ryan

- Lori and Rick Saunders, Savannah, GA

You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers! Sincerely, Misty Boozer

- Misty Boozer, Savannah, GA

May God give you comfort and peace through this difficult time.

- Paula Dean, Canton, GA

Sending condolences and wishing you all peace in this difficult time. Alice

- Alice McElhannon Quinif, Thomasville, GA