Steven H. Whelden

Steven H. Whelden, 59, was born April 24, 1961 in Cambridge, Massachusetts. He grew up in Arlington, Virginia where he graduated from Yorktown High School in 1979. After high school he served with honor for four years in the United States Marine Corps. He continued his education at Boise State University and George Mason University.

Ultimately, Steve settled in Raleigh, North Carolina where he found a way to combine his love of sports and his love for people by volunteering as a coach for the Miracle League of the Triangle - a baseball league for individuals with disabilities. Steve attended Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church and worked at Lowe’s. He was very thankful for the friends he made at both and the support they gave to him.

Steve was kind, quiet, quick-witted, and unassuming. He loved animals and being outdoors, especially at the beach, and was a voracious reader. Steve had a lifelong love of sports with an unwavering dedication to the home teams of Washington, DC. He was a walking database when it came to any professional or collegiate sports statistics and facts. — football, baseball, basketball, hockey, and more.

Steve is survived by his mother, Sally Darner Nicholas; aunt, Josephine Darner; brother, Bill Whelden (Cari); sister, Linda Bapisteller (Gerry); sister, Sally McClure (Ken); numerous nieces, nephews, grandnieces, a grandnephew; cherished friends and “adopted” family members, Jay and Allana Minnick, and their children Jonathan, Micah, Harper, and Molly; along with Karen Kasan and Erik Van Ooijen; and his lifelong special friend, Juli O’Dea. Steve’s family is so very grateful for the unconditional love extended to him by these very special friends.

Private Services are being arranged. Donations in memory of Steve may be made to the Miracle League of the Triangle, P.O. Box 4193, Cary, NC 27519. www.mltriangle.com.