John William Whelan, Jr.

John William Whelan, Jr. died on March 28, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts. He was 85 years old. John was born on August 4, 1940 in Boston to John William, Sr. and Marguerite (McCormack) Whelan. He was a graduate of Boston Latin School and Boston College (Class of 1964), and earned an MA from the University of Minnesota. He began his career at the Beverly Times and continued in broadcast journalism, most notably at WBBM/CBS Chicago and as a professor at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

John served as a Lieutenant in the US Navy during the Vietnam War. In 1969, he married Mary Ann (Hewitt) Whelan and they had two daughters, Deirdre and Caitlin. John was active in the Writers Guild of America and the Catholic Church. He was a voracious reader and enjoyed cooking, singing, playing guitar, and watching baseball, hockey, and softball. He prided himself on doing the New York Times crossword in pen. He loved nature walks and trips to Rye Beach, NH. John will be remembered as a great conversationalist and for his wonderful sense of humor.

John is survived by his wife Mary Ann; his daughters Deirdre Woytek and Caitlin Whelan (Scott Mabel); and his siblings Frank, Chuck, aka Charlie (Eileen Palombo), Jerry (Julie), and Joan Pozner (Jeff). John also leaves behind his two grandchildren, Magnus and Katie Woytek. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews and their children. He was devoted to his family and friends.

Visitation to be held on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at Folsom Funeral Home, 649 High Street, Westwood, MA 02090 from 9 - 10 am. Funeral mass at Saint Margaret Mary's Church to follow at 845 High Street, Westwood, MA 02090 at 10:30 am. Graveside service at the Bourne National Cemetery at Connery Ave, Buzzards Bay, MA 02542 on Wednesday, April 8, 2026 at 12:45 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to Shriners Hospital for Children.