Thomas C. Whalen Jr.

Thomas Christopher Whalen, Jr. passed away on the morning of September 4th, 2023, at his home in Sea Cliff Towers on Cliff Street in Staten Island, in the loving and caring company of his wife of 52 years, Stephanie Joan Whalen and his children.

A native Staten Islander, Tom was a graduate of New Dorp High School and the former CUNY Richmond College. He served in the United States Army from July of 1967 to July of 1969, attaining the rank of Specialist 5. His tenure in the army afforded Tom the ability to travel the world and meet people from all walks of life, an opportunity he recalled with fondness.

Tom worked for 31 years at MetLife, across branches in Staten Island, Manhattan, and New Jersey, retiring as a manager in Personal Annuity operations. Tom rejoined the working world in short order, endeavoring on an eleven-year career with the United States Coast Guard as the manager of the New York City special agent field office.

Tom’s passions were many. He loved baseball and was a devoted Yankee fan; in his own words, he was “a student of the game”, and he was rarely happier than when taking a day trip to Yankee Stadium with his family, or throwing the ball around with his children. He read voraciously, not only about baseball but about military history, with particular interest in the American Civil War. In his free time he loved to garden, to travel with his wife and family, to collect antiques and historical memorabilia, and to watch old movies.

Tom was preceded in death by his brothers John, Daniel, and Patrick, and by his son Stephen, who he dearly missed. Steve and his father could be found together on football Sundays sharing food, rooting for the New York Giants, and always laughing.

Tom is survived by his best friend and adoring wife Stephanie, as well as his loving children Thomas the 3rd and Lauren Zdanowicz, and his granddaughter Charlotte Grace. He considered his most important life accomplishment his being a loving, devoted and very proud husband, father, and grandpa.

A visitation for Thomas will be held Friday, September 8, 2023, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Casey McCallum Rice South Shore Funeral Home, 30 Nelson Avenue, Staten Island, NY 10308. A funeral service will occur on Saturday, September 9, 2023, at 10:00 AM, 30 Nelson Avenue, Staten Island, NY 10308.