Lew Whalen passed away in his sleep on August 27, 2012.  Lew was born in Yorklyn, DE on February 26, 1929, the son of Clyde and Nellie Whalen.  He grew up in Newport, DE and graduated from Conrad High School where he excelled in football, basketball and baseball.  It was there that he met the love of his life, Sophie Rybaltowski who became his wife on November 15, 1952.

Lew and Sophie settled in Newport where they raised three sons - Lew, Joe and Jim.  Lew's main focus was to provide for his family and his top joy was to spend time with them while supporting them in all they did.

Lew served his country in the Army during the Korean War.  He spent many years working for Monroe Industries, keeping their banking machines in good working order.  After his time at Monroe he went to work for Wilmington Trust where he repaired their automatic banking machines along with other pieces of banking equipment.  He also enjoyed his many years as both a football and basketball official for high school games throughout the area.  For many years Lew also worked at nights at Brandywine Raceway in the Admissions Office.  He made many friends across all of these work experiences and activities and he truly cherished each and every one.

Lew greatly enjoyed following and rooting for the Eagles, Phillies, and the University of Delaware athletic teams.  It was especially great for him when he could share these experiences with his family and friends.  In his later years he took up the game of golf and had great fun playing with his buddies on many courses in the area.

Lew was predeceased by his loving wife, Sophie whom he was married to for 53 years.  He is survived by his sister Louise and his three sons and their wives, Lew and Donna, Joe and Debbie, and Jim and Cheryl.  His is also survived by eight grandchildren, Kimberly, Jenna, Morgan, Tyler, Brenna, Hunter, Kevin and Connor.

Friends and family may pay their respects on Friday, August 31 at 9:30 am at St. Matthew Catholic Church on Maryland Avenue in Wilmington, DE.  A Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10:30 am with burial to follow at All Saints Cemetery.

In Lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation in memory of Lew Whalen to Prostate Health International, 1845 Walnut Street, 15th Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19103.

 

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