David Francis Whelen, age 83, passed away on November 21, 2025, after a long and courageous struggle with dementia.
Born on February 11, 1942, in Milford, Massachusetts, David was the son of James Whelen and Catherine Dillon Whelen. He grew up in Milford and graduated from Milford High School. He was a resident of Darien, Connecticut, for 53 years.
David continued his education at Bates College, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree, and later received his MBA from Columbia University. He was a member of the United States Marine Corps, attaining the rank of E-3 Lance Corporal.
After business school, David began a career in finance. He started at Merrill Lynch, later moving to Cyrus J. Lawrence, which was subsequently acquired by Morgan Grenfell and then Deutsche Bank. He concluded his professional life by founding his own firm, Whelen & Co.
In retirement, David enjoyed reading, taking long walks, and keeping up with the financial markets. A diehard fan of the Boston Red Sox, he loved watching their games and especially admired Ted Williams. He was also a devoted New England Patriots fan, with Tom Brady among his favorite players. Before his illness, he certainly enjoyed a good joke, funny movies, and dinners with friends.
David is survived by his wife of 56 years, Diane Mallory Whelen; his daughter, Elizabeth W. Thut of Concord, Massachusetts; his son, John M. Whelen of New Canaan, Connecticut; and his grandchildren, Mallory Thut, Caroline Thut, David Thut, Henry Whelen, and Theodore Whelen. He is also survived by his brother, Robert Whelen, his sister, Margaret Knowlton, and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents and by his brother, James Whelen.
For online condolences please visit www.hoytfuneralhom.com.