John J. "Jack" Whelan

John J. “Jack” Whelan, age 83, longtime resident of Northville, passed away February 3, 2021.  He was born on November 1, 1937 in Bronx, New York; son of John and Anne (nee Mullen) Whelan.  Jack attended Hackensack High School in Hackensack, New Jersey where he earned accolades and was recruited at the collegiate level for football, track and basketball.  Jack graduated from high school in 1955 and accepted a basketball scholarship to attend his beloved College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Massachusetts. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in English. Jack was united in marriage to Joyce K. Mascia on June 27, 1959; they spent 62 years lovingly devoted to one another.

Upon graduation from Holy Cross, Jack was commissioned as a 2 ^nd lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps. He served on active duty for 3 years at MCB Quantico, VA and Camp LeJeune, NC as a communications officer. While in the Marine Corps, Jack played and coached for the USMC basketball team.

After the Marine Corps, Jack joined Ford Motor Company and had a successful career in Labor Relations for 34 years, retiring in 1996.  He was an active member of Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church in Northville and served as an usher for over 25 years. Jack was a volunteer youth sports coach, and a member of Northville Kiwanis for many years where he served as past president.  He selflessly volunteered his time at St. Dominic’s Outreach in Detroit serving the homeless and was instrumental at Northville Civic Concern where he volunteered for 15 years helping with whatever was needed.

Jack liked to stay healthy and active.  He was strong, athletic, and enjoyed sports in general.  He played golf each week with friends and throughout his life his greatest passion was always basketball.  Jack liked to travel; internationally he visited Ireland, Greece, Italy, and England.  Most of his travels, however, were around the United States to visit his children and grandchildren that were scattered over at least 9 different states including California, New Hampshire, Ohio, North Carolina, and Connecticut.  Jack adored his family and loved spending time with them.  Some of his favorite memories were made at summer pool parties with family.  Jack was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and friend; he will be missed by those who were blessed to know him.

Jack is survived by his loving wife, Joyce Whelan; his children, Kevin (Maureen) Whelan, John (Donna) Whelan, Maureen (James) Decker, Mary Ellen (John) Sheehy, Kathleen Whelan, and Thomas (Michele) Whelan; his grandchildren, Daniel, Kevin, Bridget, Elizabeth, Caitlin, Elaine, William, John, Michael, James, Kathryn, Sean, Ryan, Molly, Meaghan, Anne Marie, John, Cullen, Isabella, William, and Chloe; and his great grandchildren, Shane, Nora, Rory, Louisa, Jack and Eleanor; his brother-in-law, Richard Naperschat; and his nieces,  Karen, Kathleen, Kimberly, Kelly and Kyle. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Anne Naperschat, and his nephew Kurt Naperschat.

Private family services were held.  During this difficult time please be sure to let the family know you are thinking of them and reach out with a phone call, a card, or an online condolence.

In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate memorial contributions to Northville Civic Concern , P.O. Box 323, Northville, MI 48167 or Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church , 133 Orchard Dr., Northville, MI 48167.