Obituary of Kenneth George Whalen
Kenneth "Kenny" George Whalen age 72, of Annandale, NJ, passed away on Thursday, January 30, 2025, at his home with his beloved family by his side. He was born on January 27, 1953, in Plainfield, NJ, and was the son of the late Charles and Helen (nee Carey) Whalen.
Kenny grew up in Manville and lived his entire life in New Jersey. He was an avid sports enthusiast who had a knack for statistics and the histories of football and baseball. He came to love the Dallas Cowboys from the time he played in the Cotton Bowl as a child in the Punt/Pass & Kick program. Throughout high school and as a young adult, Ken excelled at sports. He was Most Valuable Player, All-State Catcher, and more. Ken went on from high school to serve his country in the US Army as a surveyor and marksman. After leaving the military, he began his career as a carpenter and spent 35 years as part of Local 455 in Somerville, NJ. Ken married the love of his life, Ann Cannavo, on October 10, 1987. Together, they raised three children: Christopher, Megan, and Caitlin.
Ken loved to volunteer and help others. He found comfort in his friendships in the Fraternal Order of the Elks, where he was a 50-year member, the American Legion, where he was a 37-year member, the Moose Lodge, the Knights of Columbus, and the Fraternal Order of Eagles. He held various leadership positions and was most proud of his time as the Exalted Ruler of his Manville Lodge. Additionally, he spent many years coaching youth sports and acting as a Boy Scout leader for Troop 288 in Annandale. Ken also served for many years as an usher at Immaculate Conception Church and enjoyed helping with the annual carnival with his fellow ushers and Knights of Columbus brethren. Ken also enjoyed watching the Dallas Cowboys and the New York Yankees, as well as fishing, cooking and visiting local casinos.
Most of all, Ken was proud to be the father to his three children, a faithful husband, and a servant to God. He instilled his values of service, education, and goodwill in each of them.
Kenny is survived by his beloved wife, Ann Cannavo-Whalen; son, Christopher Whalen; daughters, Megan and Caitlin Whalen; and sisters, Michele “Mickey” Whalen and Debbie Zavacki. He was predeceased by his parents, Helen and Charles Andrew Whalen Sr., and his brother, Charles Andrew Whalen Jr.
Visitation for family and friends will be held on Tuesday, February 4th, from 5:00 until 8:00 PM at Martin Funeral Home, located at 1761 Route 31, Clinton, NJ 08809. The Elks Club will be holding a service at 7:30 PM during the visitation. The funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, February 5th, at 10:00 AM at Immaculate Conception Church, located at 316 Old Allerton Road, Annandale, NJ. Interment will be held privately by Kenny's family.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Kenny's name may be made to the Disabled American Veterans, Please Click Here to Donate.
The Whalen family would like to sincerely express their gratitude for all the love and support shown to their beloved Kenny and family through the years and with his recent health crisis.
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