RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, John J. Whalen has been called to eternal life by the wisdom of God at the age of eight-four; and
WHEREAS, The Chicago City Council has been informed of his passing by Alderman Edward M. Burke; and
WHEREAS, A resident of Westchester, John J. Whalen was a widely admired member of the business community and the loving husband for sixty years of Betty, nee Kerley; and
WHEREAS, John J. Whalen was the much-adored father of John R., Julie and the grandfather of six and the great-grandfather of two to whom he imparted many of the fine and noble qualities that he possessed in abundance; and
WHEREAS, Born and raised in the Austin neighborhood, John J. Whalen served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War; and
WHEREAS, John J. Whalen was the President of the Kerley Ink Company since 1956; and
WHEREAS, John J. Whalen was the Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder with Monsignor Ignatius McDermott of the Haymarket/McDermott Center of Chicago, an organization dedicated to providing hope and treatment for people suffering from addictions; and
WHEREAS, The hard work, sacrifice and dedication of John J. Whalen serve as an example to all; and
WHEREAS, John J. Whalen was an individual of great integrity and accomplishment who will be dearly missed and fondly remembered by his many relatives, friends and admirers; and
WHEREAS, To his beloved family, John J. Whalen imparts a legacy of faithfulness, service and dignity; now, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, That we, the Mayor and the members of the Chicago City Council, assembled this fifth day of February, 2014, do hereby commemorate John J. Whalen for his grace-filled life and do hereby express our condolences to his family; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of John J. Whalen.
Alderman - 14th Ward