Councilor dies, Holyoke grieves
Friday, May 08, 2009
By KEN ROSS
kross@repub.com
HOLYOKE - Longtime City Councilor John E. Whelihan died on Wednesday, prompting an outpouring of emotion from officials who knew him well.
"The City Council will not be the same without him," said Councilor Kevin A. Jourdain. "Jack loved Holyoke, and Holyoke loved Jack."
Mayor Michael J. Sullivan agreed, "His dedication to city service is unparalleled. He's going to be missed."
Councilor Joseph M. McGiverin said, "I've served with him for 30 years. I'm deeply saddened by his passing. Our condolences go out to his family."
Whelihan, 70, announced recently that he was not running for re-election. He sat on the council for 32 of the last 40 years.
He was not at Tuesday's council meeting during which McGiverin reported that Whelihan was undergoing surgery. He asked the members to pray for him.
Whelihan was first elected to the council in 1969. The longtime Postal Service worker said last month that he never planned to serve so long on the council.
"I just got on for a few years," he said. "But it changed everything."
Whelihan had thought about joining the police force. But if he did, he said, he would have had to resign from the council.
"I got involved in the political scene, and I really liked politics to start with," he said.
So, rather than join the police force, Whelihan stayed with the Post Office and the council.
According to McGiverin, he was "a tremendous fighter for homeowners, for the middle class." He said, "When he took on an issue, he fought tenaciously until it was solved. You always knew where he stood. He made you work hard."
Jourdain agreed, "He was a tireless fighter for our seniors and those who did without."
Whelihan's current term on the council was set to expire next Jan. 3. The council is responsible for appointing someone to fill his vacant seat, said McGiverin.
He said he has no idea if or when the council will fill the post.
"We have no intention of doing that," McGiverin added. "Our first thoughts are with the family."
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