Gerald Francis Whalen, 93, Canton

CANTON -- Gerald Francis Whalen, 93, of Canton, died early Sunday evening, July 14, 2024 at his home, surrounded by his loving family.
Gerald (Jerry) was born in Canton on July 24, 1930 to Joseph and Blanche (Browe)
Whalen. He resided in Canton his entire life and was a proud graduate of St. Mary’s
Parochial School, Canton High School and St. Lawrence University.
Jerry was an accomplished athlete during his high school years with the Canton Golden Bears. Under the guidance of legendary coach John Oliver, he played football, basketball and baseball, receiving All-Northern accolades. As a student at St. Lawrence, he continued his athletic career as a member of the basketball team under Coach Ron Burkman. He graduated in 1953 with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education.
Jerry began his teaching and coaching career at Knox Memorial Central School in
Russell. He married Anne Sherry of Ogdensburg at St. Mary’s Cathedral on June 21,
1958. He continued to teach and coach, next at Madrid High School, where his
basketball teams won several St. Lawrence Valley League titles, and later at the newly merged Madrid-Waddington Central School. Summers found him lifeguarding on the St. Lawrence River as part of the recreation programs in Waddington and Lisbon, and playing baseball for the Canton Merchants.
Jerry received a Master of Education from St. Lawrence in 1960. He later transitioned to the field of high school guidance counseling in the early 1970’s, spending the remainder of his career at Knox Memorial in his guidance role, as a baseball coach and as Athletic Director. He retired in 1993 as Director of Guidance from a then merged Edwards-Knox Central School.
Jerry enjoyed attending his children’s school activities and sporting events through the years. Fall weekends were especially gratifying as he traveled with his wife to follow his son’s collegiate soccer career. Both of his daughters graduated from his alma mater and they enjoyed a special bond as St. Lawrence alums. He was a big fan of parades - especially the marching bands. He and his family attended many of the local festivals and it was always a point of pride for him when the Knox Memorial marching band paraded by.
Jerry was a proud member of both the Canton Central and Madrid-Waddington Central School’s Athletic Halls of Fame. He had a special place in his heart for Yankee baseball, New York Giants and Notre Dame football, and the Skating Saints of St. Lawrence. On a chilly Friday or Saturday evening during a North Country winter, Jerry could often be found standing at his favorite spot along the railing at Appleton Arena, enjoying the game and discussing sports with his local friends.
A lifelong parishioner of St. Mary’s Church in Canton, Jerry was devoted to his family and his Roman Catholic faith. He loved his home in Canton, where he often hosted reunions with in-laws and their families, which included 20 nieces and nephews. His grandchildren spent many summers engaged in sports games in the backyard, enjoying the St. Lawrence Valley region. In retirement, he and Anne regularly traveled to the Boston, Rochester and Dallas areas to visit their children, grandchildren and her sisters’ families.
Jerry often spoke of the importance of having laughter in one’s life and enjoying one’s chosen work. Outgoing and humorous, he was ever the conversationalist.
Jerry is survived by his children: son Timothy of Swampscott, MA, his daughter Martha of Canton and his daughter Catherine Hallas, of Allen, TX; his grandchildren: Laura and Thomas Hallas; sisters-in-law Martha Spooner of Covington, LA and Joan Savino of Epsom, NH; and a brother-in-law, Terrance Wagner, of Rowlett, TX.
He was predeceased by his wife of 62 years, Anne; his parents, Joseph and Blanche
Whalen; his mother and father-in law, Michael and Mary Sherry; sisters-in-law Mary Sherry Wagner and Jean Sherry Geraghty; and brothers-in-law Michael Geraghty, Ronald Savino and Robert Spooner.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 68 Court St.; Canton, New York 13617or to Hospice and Palliative Care of the St. Lawrence Valley, P.O. Box 510; Potsdam, New York 13676.
Memories and condolences may be shared online at www.olearyfuneralservice.com.
Arrangements for calling hours and Memorial Mass are under the care of the O’Leary Funeral Service of Canton and will be completed soon.