Patrick Jerome Whelan

Patrick “Pat” Jerome Whelan, 88, passed away unexpectedly on June 30, 2025, in College Station, Texas, surrounded by the love of his family. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and patriot, Pat lived a life marked by curiosity, service, and an unwavering work ethic.

Born on August 30, 1936, in Corpus Christi to Edward and Anna Whelan, Pat grew up with a strong sense of responsibility, delivering newspapers as a young boy—a humble beginning that set the tone for a remarkable career. He earned a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering from Texas A&M University and went on to serve proudly in the United States Army as a 2nd Lieutenant beginning in 1960. He continued his service in the Army Reserves until 1966.

Soon after his college graduation, during a dance hosted by St. Mary’s Church in College Station, Pat met the love of his life, Cecilia Zemanek. The two shared 65 wonderful years of marriage filled with joy, faith and deep devotion. Together they raised four children: Donna Cote (and husband Dave), Anna Maria Whelan, Rebecca Burnett (and husband Bruce), and Patrick Whelan Jr. (and wife Stacey). He was a proud grandfather to seven: Loriann Burnett, Amber Marcum, Nathaniel Cote, Jacob Cote, Patrick Daniel Cote, Aaron Gonzales, and Daniel Gonzales.

After college and his wedding to Cecilia, Pat embarked on a distinguished 30-year career with NASA, contributing to the shuttle program while living with his family across multiple states such as Texas, Florida, and California. Upon retiring from NASA, he returned to his alma mater, Texas A&M, where he began his second meaningful career working at the Memorial Student Center before retiring once more.

The funeral Mass will be held on July 11, 2025 at 10AM, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Bryan, TX. Visitation, with rosary, will be at Memorial Funeral Chapel, 1515 S College Ave in Bryan, TX on July 10, 2025, from 5PM to 7PM. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church in Pat’s name.

Pat is survived by his beloved wife, Cecilia; his sister, Mary Frances Bell; his children and grandchildren, whose lives are lasting reflections of his love and values. He is preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Anna Whelan; his brother, John Edward Whelan; and his sister, Doris Marthin.