Obituary
Brendan Francis Whelan passed away peacefully in his sleep on November 15, 2024, at the age of 73, after a long journey with Alzheimer’s disease. His son, Brad Whelan, and daughter, Sloane Whelan, were by his side.
Born in Portchester, New York and raised in Rye, New York by his Mother, Delia Healey Whelan, and Father, Peter Francis Whelan, both proud Irish immigrants from County Kerry.
Brendan built a life filled with laughter and legendary storytelling. From 1978 to 2016, he was married to Laurie Telfer, and together they lovingly raised their two children in Barrington, Rhode Island. Some of the family’s most fond memories were in their ski house in Quechee, Vermont, where he religiously made his famous egg sandwiches early mornings before everyone headed to the mountains. A first generation graduate of Fairfield University, he was an active member of the Barrington Lions Club and a proud small business owner, affectionately known as “the fried chicken salesman.”
Brendan was a man of warmth and wisdom, known for his infamously long tales, infectious laugh, pearls of wisdom and advice for every occasion, and exceptional Irish dance moves. He had a gift for making people feel welcome, with a soft-spoken kindness that left a lasting impression on everyone he met.
Brendan retired to Ocala, Florida with his partner, Lisa Connelly and their two beloved dogs. He is survived by his son, Brad and his wife Meg and their three children – Darby, Averly and Caden and his daughter, Sloane and her partner, Tom, and their daughter Tiller.
In June, his family gathered in Charlestown, Rhode Island, to honor his life in a place filled with cherished memories from many beloved family vacations over the years.
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