Terrence J Whelan

Terrence John Whelan, passed away peacefully on September 13, 2025, at the age of 79. He was born on August 24, 1946 to Joan H. McCauley and Francis B. Whelan in Fine, New York.

Terrence graduated magna cum laude from Seton Hall University in 1969 as one of the first to graduate in Russian Area Studies. From 1969-1972, he went on to serve in the United States Air Force as a First Lieutenant, Deputy Missile Combat Crew Commander, and received a National Defense Service Medal. He went on to attend Rutgers University School of Law and graduated in 1976.

He moved to Watertown, NY, and from 1980 until retirement, he worked for Legal Services of Central New York, Jefferson County Office, where he rose up to Managing Attorney. It was his life’s work to help advance justice and to provide access to legal services for individuals and communities who cannot afford representation. He helped thousands of people through the years. One judge stated “I have never met a person more dedicated to protecting the rights of those in the community who need assistance…he is held in high regard not only as a lawyer, but as a decent human being.” He also mentored many attorneys during the years, and inspired his niece to become a lawyer.

In 2024, he moved to Barstow, CA where he lived with his sister and brother-in-law. He was happy and loved the sun and blue skies.

He loved fishing, watching football, technology, philosophy, and Russian studies. He was a devout Catholic. Terrence will be dearly missed by his family and friends who will remember his humor, kindness, and humanity.

He joins his mother, father, and beloved brother (Bernard) in heaven. He leaves behind his sister Patricia, his brother-in-law Bill (Barrett) and his nieces and nephews – Rebecca, Frank, Elizabeth, Sarah and Joan. His great nephew, Jack Terrence, was named after him.

A religious ceremony will take place at St Josephs Catholic Church on Monday, September 29th 2025 with Rosary beginning at 9am and Mass to follow at 10am. In the meantime, condolences, support and memories of Terrence J. Whelan may be added and sent through this website.

Mead Mortuary (A Dignity Memorial Provider) has been serving the high desert community since 1963. We are proud to offer a complementary placement of ashes in one of our cemeteries for any family selecting cremation. For those families looking to memorialize their family member in a local cemetery we would like to recommend one of our 3 sister locations here in the high desert. Desert View Memorial Park, Victor Valley Memorial Park or Sunset Hills Memorial Park. Please feel free to ask our staff for more information.