Donald H. Whelpley, 92

HINSDALE, Mass. — Donald Howe Whelpley, 92, of 140 East Washington Road, Hinsdale, died Thursday, July 20, 2017, at his home.

Born in Waltham, Mass., on January 12, 1925, the son of Frank and Madeline Dudley Whelpley, he was a graduate of the University of Massachusetts Stockbridge School of Agriculture. A World War II veteran, Mr. Whelpley entered the United States Navy on January 25, 1943, served aboard the USS Denebola, the USS Newman, and the USS Lloyd, and was honorably discharged on January 14, 1946, as a Signalman Second Class. 

At a young age, Donald began his farming career at Mainstone Farm in eastern Massachusetts. From there, he joined the Navy before graduating from high school. Upon discharge, he completed schooling and became a student at the Stockbridge School of Agriculture. Upon completion, he became a DHIA milk tester, meeting his wife by an introduction of the Whisnent Farm Family in Egremont. In 1952, Donald and Virginia moved to The old Comstock Farm in Lanesborough. Don worked in the U.S. Gypsum Quarry and on the farm, building a herd from one cow and calf, Veronica and Laughter. Later Don worked at Brightwater Paper in Adams while selling milk in cans to the Pandell Farm in Cheshire. Now, as a full-time farmer with a full-time farm wife and three daughters, a new bulk tank was in place and the farm grew and moved in 1964 to Ashmere Valley Farm in Hinsdale. The Whelpley Farm continued to grow with hay and rolling fields, beautiful stands of corn, and cattle. A self-taught welder and great mechanic, Don could fix any piece of equipment that broke or just plain wore out. The farm prospered with hard work and the resolve of Donald and his wife and daughters. 

Donald began working for Meals on Wheels in 1999 and his happy manner and willingness to help his people was appreciated by the many he served. Retiring one year ago, after 17 years, he greatly missed driving and visiting his friends each day. He always had a smile for everyone. 

Donald was a member of the Massachusetts Farm Bureau and AgriMark/Cabot.  He was also a member of the Dalton American Legion. He enjoyed gardening in later years; and fixing machinery always.

Mr. Whelpley’s wife, the former Virginia V. MacKenzie, whom he married May 28, 1950, died May 29, 2010.

Mr. Whelpley is survived by three daughters, Virginia L. Conner (partner, Alan Bongini) of Hinsdale, Diana L. Whelpley of Hinsdale, and Nancy A. Whelpley (partner, James Moore) of Pittsfield; seven grandchildren, Samantha Brindley Tangney (husband Christopher), Philip Renderer, Jordan Renderer (partner Amy Southard), Anna Renderer (husband Vito LaFata), Levi Renderer, Autumn Renderer, and Winslow Renderer; and seven great-grandchildren, Malachi Southard, Logan Renderer, Julia Renderer, Kaden Renderer, Amiah Renderer, Phalyn Renderer and Brooklyn Renderer.

Funeral notice: Funeral services for Donald H. Whelpley will be held Wednesday, July 26, 2017, at 1 p.m. at Dery-Foley Funeral Home in Dalton with Deacon George Morrell of St. Agnes Church officiating. Burial will follow in South Cemetery in Peru. Calling hours will precede the service beginning at 11:30 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Dalton American Legion in care of the Funeral Home, 890 East Main Street, Dalton.