Obituary of David Jerome Whalen

David J. Whalen was born in St. Stephen, NB and was raised in Sussex on Smith’s Creek.

David graduated from Saint Francis Xavier University in 1957 with a B.A. in English and as a Valedictorian. His excellence at sports earned him the Larkin Trophy, for outstanding student in athletics, scholarship, character and leadership. He also obtained an M.A. from the University of Windsor in 1957.

David had originally chosen a law career but later spent more than a decade with the Redemptorist Religious Order. During Vatican II, and the Catholic church renewal, David left the Order with an official dispensation from Rome.

In the early 70s, David joined Seneca Community College in Toronto and held posts such as Dean of English and Executive Assistant to Bill Newnham, Seneca President.

In the early 80s David left Seneca and became a businessperson responsible for several personal businesses and consultants. He travelled to Eastern Europe and Asia with the assistance of the Canadian government for trade missions, education and diplomacy.

David was a Rotarian and a Kiwanian, as well as President of the Ajax -Pickering Board of Trade.

David was a very warm, friendly and available person. He touched thousands of lives, regardless of status, language or social barriers. David added value to all he met. When others met him, they did not forget.

David will be missed by his loving wife Tina; his children: David M (Eriko, Jasmine), Anthony (Alyssia); and by his brothers: John, Bill (Judy), and Jim; and his many nieces and nephews.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Brenan's Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John, NB (506-634-7424). A graveside service will take place on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, at 3:30 pm in St. Francis Xavier Catholic Cemetery, Wards Creek, NB.

For those who wish, remembrances to the Alzheimer Society of New Brunswick would be appreciated by the family.