Michael D. Whelan, 68 of Marcellus, passed away on Thursday at Francis House. Michael fought courageously and gracefully against pancreatic cancer for over two years. Michael was a 1964 graduate of St. Lucy's Academy, and attended the University of Notre Dame. Having completed his studies at the Simmons Institute of funeral service, he became a New York State Licensed funeral director in 1972. He co-owned and operated Whelan Bros. Funeral Home from 1978 until 2005, as a third generation of the Whelan family to do so. In 1989, Michael joined the Fairmount Volunteer Fire Department and became an active fire fighter and EMT, emergency medical technician. In 1998, he became secretary of the Firemen's Association of the State of New York (FASNY), which represents over 45,000 volunteer fire service personnel. As FASNY secretary a position he held until his passing, Michael served as chairperson of the multimedia communications committee, as a member of the bylaws committee and of the conventions and exhibits committee. He also served as first vice president of the Central New York Firemen's Association. Michael was a person gifted with the ability to form many long lasting friendships. He is best remembered as a kind and caring professional for families experiencing the death of a loved one. He gave his "beloved" wife Annie gentle and compassionate care throughout the years of her illnesses. Michael was a person gifted with friendship and dedicated to the members of the New York State Volunteer Fire Services in his position as FASNY secretary. Michael was predeceased by his parents, John D. Whelan and Mary Nicholson Whelan and his wife, Anne McCarthy Whelan in 2012. He is survived by several cousins. Calling hours will be held on Sunday, December 21 from 2 to 5 p.m. at Whelan Bros. & Hulchanski Funeral Home, 5854 Belle Isle Road, Syracuse, NY 13209. A Firematic Service will be held at the conclussion of calling hours. A Mass of Christian Burial will be con-celebrated by the Rev. Louis Aiello and Rev. John Schopfer on Monday, December 22, at 11 a.m. in St. Lucy's Church, 432 Gifford Street, Syracuse, NY 13204. Burial will be private in St. Mary's Cemetery, DeWitt, NY. Contributions may be made in Michael's name to Francis House, 108 Michael's Avenue, Syracuse, NY 13208.

Published in Syracuse Post Standard from Dec. 20 to Dec. 21, 2014