Donald R. Whalley

Donald R. Whalley, age 90, passed away peacefully Sunday, September 24, 2023 at Country Gardens Health and Rehabilitation comforted by family. He was the loving husband of Evelyn (Connolly) Whalley with whom he shared 66 years of marriage.

Born in Fall River, the son of the late Raymond and Annie (Booth) Whalley he was a resident of Somerset for 55 years.

A proud veteran of the United States Navy, he served in the Korean War. Skilled at metal fabrication, he was a welder for National Grid for 40 years, retiring in 1995. An avid golfer, he also enjoyed bowling, playing softball, and fishing. A member of the Fall River Country Club, he delighted in playing golf as often as possible and participating in many local tournaments. He received the Tom Tetrault “Sportsman of the Year” award in 2014 and will be remembered for his keen sense of humor.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by two daughters, Kathy Whalley Sayers and her husband Edward of Westport and Jo-Ann Tavares and her husband Matthew of Fall River; one sister, Dorothy Pillsbury; five grandchildren, Steven Sayers and his wife Ummi, Michael Sayers and his wife Christina, Caitlin Sayers and her husband Ty Schmit, Meghan Gagliardi and her husband David and Jamie Tavares; four great-grandchildren, Owen, Emilia, Natalie and Sloane; and several nieces and nephews. Donald was the father of the late Steven R. Whalley and brother of the late Raymond Whalley.

Private services are in the care of Waring-Sullivan Home at Cherry Place, Fall River. Contributions in his honor may be made to the First Tee of Massachusetts, 300 Arnold Palmer, Blvd., Norton, MA 02766.