Edward Robert Whalen, age 82, of Dover, Florida, passed away peacefully at home on September 25, 2024. Born in Ohio, Edward moved to Florida as a child and embraced his life in the Sunshine State. He proudly served in the United States Coast Guard, achieving the rank of E3, with his time stationed in Puerto Rico being one of his greatest achievements, second only to his love for his grandchildren. Edward served honorably between 1959-1965, with his final assignment aboard the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Nemesis, based in St. Petersburg, Florida. During his service, he was recognized with the Coast Guard Good Conduct Medal for his dedication and commitment.
Edward was the son of Edward Joseph and Evelyn Soucek Whalen. Although his mother Evelyn had passed away during Edward’s infancy, Virginia Jane (Shaw) Whalen helped to raise him and was always known to him as “Mom”. He married Betty Virginia Blanton on July 19, 1964, at Corpus Christi Catholic Church in Tampa, Florida. They shared 12 years of marriage, followed by a friendship that lasted until his passing.
He is survived by his daughter, Jenny Pryor; his daughter in-law, Dina Byrns (Robert); his granddaughter, Taylor Whalen; and his grandson, Jacob Pryor. Edward also leaves behind seven sisters, two brothers, numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, his son Joseph Whalen, granddaughter Alisha Favata, brother Donald Whalen, and nephew John A. Whalen.
Edward dedicated his career to Derry’s Wholesale Florist, where he worked as a delivery driver until retirement. He was active in his community, volunteering at the Nativity Catholic Food Bank, and was a devoted member and usher at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church. An animal lover at heart, he cherished his many cats and dogs, and is survived by his pug, Charlie, after the passing of his beloved fur babies, Sandy and Shiloh.
In addition to his love for animals, Edward had a passion for music and enjoyed spending time at theme parks with his family. The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to hospice for their support, allowing Edward to spend his final days at home in comfort.
A graveside service will be held on October 23, 2024, at 2:00PM at the beautiful Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, Florida. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society, hospice, or the Veterans Administration.
Edward’s warmth, kindness, and unwavering love for his family will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
I am missing you so much and thankful you were my big brother always and Michael is missing his brother from another mother also Rest in Peace cause it’s a rough world out here I love you more
I’ve only had the privilege of knowing Ed Whalen for about 15 years, through the friendship with his daughter, Jenny.. Every time I go over to their house, he would come outside his trailer and meet me with a joke., Never failed., Always trying to get a laugh out of somebody & He always succeeded…🥰
he always appeared so happy and full of love for people… He walked through life with Jesus, and now he resides with him… 🙏🏼
His life ended with the wishes of his own., to be at home with his daughter and grandchildren, under the loving care of Jenny & Hospice.., to allow his pain-free life to the final end. He was even able to enjoy a couple of things He really wanted in the end of his life…
You will be missed every day Ed Whalen..🥰💙
Oh heavenly father, we thank you for allowing our family, the privilege of being related to such a kind, caring, humble, respectful man, that was my uncle Eddie. I truly cherish every single card that man mailed to me. He was always going to great lengths to truly personalize each n every card he sent out filled with laughter, n imagination, he was artistic like his father, with a great sense of humor n so thoughtful to carefully select the perfect things to say. He will truly be missed n remembered for eternity. He was a real blessing to know, keep him in your loving care until we see him again, in Jesus, perfect n precious name, amen.
I’m sending my condolence to you and the family so sorry for your loss tragic loss ❤️