ADAMS, Mass. — Edward Patrick Whalen, 84, of 2 Kittler Ave., a longtime Adams teacher and coach, died Saturday, Dec. 23, 2006, at North Adams Commons.

Born in Adams on Dec. 9, 1922, son of Charles and Ethel McConnell Whalen, he graduated from the former Adams High School in 1940, and received his bachelor of science degree from American International College in Springfield in 1952. He earned his master of education degree from North Adams State College, now known as Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, in 1964. He later took guidance courses at Westfield State College and psychology courses at Williams College.

Mr. Whalen played baseball and basketball at Adams High and also at American International and North Adams State colleges. He was an Army veteran of World War II and was stationed at Blixton Air Base in Bungay, England. He was assigned to the 446th Bombardment Group, providing ground and field support for the D-Day invasion of Normandy, as well as other engagements in the European theater. He was honorably discharged as a sergeant in 1945.

Mr. Whalen was a longtime educator in the Adams-Cheshire Regional School District. He taught English at then-C. T. Plunkett Junior High School from 1958 until 1970, and at then Adams Memorial Junior High from 1970 until 1980. He taught English, math and social studies at Hoosac Valley High School from 1980 until 1988, retiring with 30 years of service. Beside his teaching duties, Mr. Whalen was active coaching varsity and junior varsity baseball and varsity tennis for many years. He also served as a student council adviser for several years and was a cooperating teacher with students from North Adams State for five years.

He was a communicant of the Parish of Notre Dame and St. Thomas. He was also a member of Adams Post 160 American Legion and the 446th Bombardment Group Association. He played in adult softball leagues and also played tennis for many years. He enjoyed reading, with a particular interest in the Civil War and World War II.

He and his wife, the former Nancy A. Rotolo, were married Aug. 13, 1949.

Besides his wife of 57 years, he leaves two sons, Edward P. Whalen Jr. of Adams and Kevin M. Whalen of Pittsfield; two daughters, Karen Whalen of Williamstown and Kathleen Whalen Thies of Ridgefield, Conn.; a sister, Isabelle Whalen of Pittsfield; nine grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. He also leaves a daughter-in-law, Diane; a son-in-law, Mark; and several nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews.

He will be remembered as a loving husband and father, who enjoyed his children and grandchildren.

FUNERAL NOTICE: The funeral for Edward Whalen, who died Saturday, Dec. 23, 2006, will be held on Wednesday at 9 a.m. from PACIOREK FUNERAL HOME, 13 Hoosac St., Adams. It will be followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 10 in St. Thomas' Church, Adams, celebrated by the Rev. Daniel J. Boyle, pastor of the Catholic Parishes of Adams. Burial will follow in the family lot in Maple Street Cemetery, Adams. Calling hours are today from 4 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home.

Memorial donations may be made to the Edward P. Whalen Memorial Scholarship through the funeral home. To leave a message of condolence or for directions, go to www.apsfuneral home.com.