PS1 John Thomas Whalen USN (ret.), 57

PS1 John Thomas Whalen USN (ret.), 57 of Orange Park, FL passed away Sunday, June 18, 2023.  Mr. Whalen was born in Brooklyn, New York to the late John Thomas and Theresa Butler Whalen and grew up in Staten Island, New York before joining the United States Navy.  While in the Navy, John was stationed in Pensacola, Guantanamo Bay, and Maryland to name a few.  He retired after a career of 20 years while stationed at Mayport with the HSL 48 Squadron.

John loved military history, enjoyed the outdoors, hiking and playing disc golf.  He was well known for his jokester antics and smile; John will be missed.

A Mass of Celebration will be held at 11:00 AM Thursday at San Juan Del Rio Catholic Church in St. Johns with Father Clayton Ludwig officiating.  Burial will be at 2:00 PM Thursday in The Jacksonville National Cemetery with Military Honors.

Mr. Whalen was preceded in death by his daughter, Sarah Roman, and is survived by a daughter, Melissa (Ryan) Sutton, mother of his children, Laura Von Schondorf, and four grandchildren, Ariana, Alexander, Harper and Delaney.

In lieu of flowers, the family request that memorials be made to:  www.foldsofhonor.org

Arrangements are under the care of Russell Haven of Rest Cemetery, Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 2335 Sandridge Road, Green Cove Springs, FL  32043.  Family and friends may share their condolences at: www.RHRFH.com 904-284-7720

Directions to Jacksonville National Cemetery

 Enter I-295 N toward Savannah to north of I-10

Take Exit 32 , turn left at Lem Turner Road, go 5 miles

Turn right on Lannie Road, go 3 miles

Jacksonville National Cemetery will be on your left

4083 Lannie Road, Jacksonville, Fl  32218