William J. Whalen

April 13, 1919 - November 9, 2017

Hudson- William J. Whalen, 98, died on November 9, 2017 at Whittier Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation, Ghent, NY, following a long illness. He was born in Newburgh, NY, April 13, 1919, son of Mary (Barclay) and William R. Whalen. After his family moved to Ravena, NY, in 1932 he attended and graduated from Catherdral Academy in Albany. Upon graduating he was employed as a clerical worker for New York State for several years. From 1940 to 1942 he worked in the signal department of New York Central Railroad, repairing and installing signals. He was drafted into the Army during World War II and served as a clerk- technician in the 579th Antiaircraft Artillery Battalion, achieving the rank of corporal. After his discharge in 1946, he settled in Hudson with his wife Beatrice (McDonald) and began working at Foster Refrigeration, beginning as an assembly line worker, and retiring in 1984 as Vice- President of Sales. Throughout his life he was very active in St. Mary’s / Holy Trinity Parish, Hudson. He served as president of the Parish Pastoral Council for many years; and at Mass he assisted as a Lector and Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist. He attended daily Mass for many years, and was the most generous in supporting his parish and the Diocese of Albany. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus, serving as secretary for many years. He is survived by over twenty nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife Beatrice (McDonald); his sister; Nancy (Phillips); and his brother; Robert P. Whalen. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Mary’s Church of Hoy Trinity Parish, Hudson, on Monday November 13, 2017 at 10:30 a.m. The wake will be at St. Mary’s Church, one hour before the Mass. Those who wish may make donations in his memory and send their contributions to St. Mary’s Church of Holy Trinity Parish, P.O. Box 323, Hudson, NY 12534.