Joseph M. Whelan, 70, of Egg Harbor Township, NJ, passed away on December 25, 2024. Born in Philadelphia, PA, he resided in Manchester Township, NJ before moving to Egg Harbor Township. Joe proudly served in the US Air Force from 1972 to 1976. He was a gunner serving in an illustrious unit in Vietnam. Joining the VFW post #10061 in 1986, he served in many positions, including Post Commander for ten years. His joy was helping homeless veterans, serving lunches to Menlo Park residents, as well as going into local schools, and talking to students about his experiences in the military.
Joe was a 33rd degree Mason, belonging to the Trinity Justice Unity Lodge #79 in Egg Harbor Township, NJ. He always said that they were a group of “like-minded men”. They were truly his brothers.
Joe was a compassionate, loving gentlemen and selfless in his dedication to the people he loved. His honesty and honor were unmatched. He was a presence everywhere he went- a big guy, with a big heart.
Joe was predeceased by his parents, Thomas and Eleanor Whelan (Trainor), and his wife Virginia Whelan in 2013. Joe is survived by his life partner Deborah Fabi, his stepchildren Michael Fabi, Mark Fabi, and Melissa Fabi (Francesco Monastra), two step grand children Owen and Nate Harnischfeger, and numerous relatives.
Visitation is from 2 pm to 4 pm and 7 pm to 9 pm on Monday, December 30, 2024 at DeGraff Lakehurst Funeral Home, 119 Union Avenue in Lakehurst, NJ. Interment will take place privately at Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans Cemetery, Arneytown. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in his memory to the American Lung Association, P.O. Box 756, Osceola, WI 54020-0756 or lung.org
Fair Winds my friend, You will be missed by many people. Your charisma made You a great person, knowing what to say and how to present yourself and always spoke with people. Not at them. I always enjoyed working with you and not having to second guess what you said. From an old NAVY brother, “God speed may you always have a Fair Wind and a Following Sea”
Rest in peace my Brother your Comrradship will always be with me. May you have a Fair wind and a following sea. God bless you
Joe was and is (in my heart) one of the kindest men I have ever known. I was privileged to be called a friend and grateful he called (Chaplain Bob a brother because they were such good friends).
I will miss you honey but we will all be together someday. See you at the card table my friend.
My wife, Edie, and I did not have the privilege of knowing Joe for a long time. He did, however, make a strong impression upon us as a special person. His physical personality will continue with the memory of his spirit. Joe was a man who enjoyed the precious gift of life. He will be sorely missed. Joe was a true gentleman with a kind and warm personality and a brave heart. Such people are hard to find – – we just lost one.
Debbie and family, our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you some measure of comfort.
Joe was a father to me and my brothers. He loved us as his own. He put everyone in my family ahead of himself. Anytime anyone needed help, he was always there for us. He was fiercely loyal, and he always had our backs no matter what. He always told us how much he loved us everyday. He was the kindest and strongest person. I am so lucky and blessed that he was able to walk me down the aisle at my wedding. The pain that comes from this loss is indescribable. I will love you forever until we are reunited some day ❤️
Joe… I miss you dearly. We filled 7 years with more love than some people find in a lifetime. I’ll never forget our walks on the boardwalk, our lunches at Charlie’s, your Jameson and water and our late night Godfather watching. It was an honor to be yours… our time together was too short. I will treasure those beautiful memories forever. Until we meet again… Rest in peace my love❤️❤️
Joe was a brother to me. We had alot of long talks and he was always there for me when I needed someone to talk to. Joe had a big heart and always there to give a hand. Until we meet again. Rest in heaven. Love your twisted sister ❤️
Joe I only known you for a short time but you left an ever lasting impression. Until we meet again, Rest in peace buddy, Junior
Dear Joe,
it was such a honor to meet you.
Your memory will continue to inspire and live on in all of us.
May you rest in peace, and may your soul find eternal serenity
Melissa and Family, we are all praying for you.
“Grief is the last act of love we can give to those we loved. Where there is deep grief, there was great love”
Joe was a kind soul, a one of a kind man who could brighten your day with his smile. Kindness radiated from him as if he was kindness itself. I admired the way he loved Debi and her family. He cared deeply for those he loved and he showed them by the way he spoke, the way he looked out for their best interests and the way he treated them as if they were his prized possessions. Always doing whatever was necessary to provide for their needs. Joe’s loss is devastating to all who loved him but I know we will see him again. My prayers to all. Joe, you are so missed here. See you on the other side my friend.
On this solemn occasion, we mourn the loss of our dear Brother Joesph, whose presence among us will be greatly missed. May your soul find peace in the eternal light, and may your memory remain a guiding force in our hearts. We will honor your life and legacy, continuing to walk in the path of brotherhood, love, and charity.”