John R Whalen

John Rein Whalen, age 85 of Columbus, Ohio, passed away on Friday August 14, 2026 after a short illness surrounded by beloved family. He is preceded in death by parents William and Katherine Whalen, brothers William and Patrick Whalen, sisters Patricia Schirtzinger and Margie Clark, sisters-in-law Martha Triefenbach and Peggy Whalen, and brother-in-law Jack Schirtzinger. He is survived by Mary, loving wife of 57 years, son Michael (Christine) Whalen, Renee (Darcy) Cahill, Stephen (Andi) Whalen, Cara (Matthew) Whalen Smith, grandchildren Rose, Kylie, Kamerick, Blaine, and Brett, brothers-in-law Jerry Clark, James (Annie) Kamerick, and Everett Triefenbach, many nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews, and his best buddy, his cat Kitty.

Born on September 28, 1940, John was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He graduated with a Masters in Electrical Engineering from The Ohio State University and worked for 30 years and retired from Lucent Technologies, he went on to work for many years with IBM and the Ohio Department of Taxation. He also was a part-time instructor at DeVry and Columbus State for many years. John was a veteran serving in the army for 4 years and received an honorable discharge.

Known for his joyful charisma and Whalen sarcasm, John lived life to the fullest taking every opportunity to crack a joke, have a party, make a highball, play games, take in a double feature at the movie theater, and spend time with his family. He leaves behind a legacy in his kids and grandkids who are party animals, highly competitive (blood may be drawn from a game of spoons), and love laughing together. John started the family tradition of going to Myrtle Beach every year where up to 40 Whalen family members vacationed together. At Myrtle Beach, John led his famous pool train to 7 pools around the Myrtle Beach resort with all the cousins. He continued this tradition years later with his grandkids. He loved dancing to the Achy Breaky Heart and Jimmy Buffett at the Boco Bar and buying Shirley Temples for the kids. He took his final Myrtle Beach vacation last year with his wife, several of his kids, grandkids, and grandpups, and as he always said it “was the best vacation ever.”

He loved traveling and experiencing new places. He loved going to Scioto Downs with his wife and often came home a winner. He relished in telling dad jokes. One of his special skills was doing a varsity better than many cheerleaders. His signature whistle could be heard miles away to call his kids home. He loved spending time in his backyard tiki bar with his many pet koi fish in the pond. His favorite song was Old Time Rock & Roll and his favorite band was CCR. He loved golf and was an ardent Buckeye Fan. So much so he had to go to the movies during the games and couldn't watch until it was clear they would win so they didn't break his heart.

He deeply loved his kids and grandkids and was so proud of all of their accomplishments, often bragging about them to complete strangers. He was the best dance dad and grandpa, volleyball grandpa, hockey grandpa, water polo grandpa, and lacrosse grandpa. He was famous for his loud and enthusiastic cheering for his kids and grandkids sports and performances. He especially loved parties and game nights with his family and he enjoyed dominating his family in Euchre to build character.

Family and friends may call Wednesday August 19, 2026 from 9:30-10:30 am at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, 313 North State Street, Westerville, Ohio 43082. Celebration of life mass will be held at St. Paul at 10:30am on Wednesday August 19 and burial to immediately follow at St. Joseph Cemetery. All are welcome to attend any of these events.

John's immediate family would like to thank all the extended family and friends who have reached out with loving support through showing up at the hospital, calling and texting, sending meals and goodies, sharing fond memories, and standing with us during this difficult time. We have felt very loved and supported and are lucky to have you in our lives. John loved you all deeply.