A special note to our family and friends.

Our beloved Michael J Whelan, also known as daddy to his children, Michael J by his parents and Mike by his friends passed away Monday, April 4, 2017 with his loving family at his side.  Born in Wiesbaden Germany on July 24, 1978, Michael was the oldest son of Joanne and Mike Whelan.  Michael J was the older brother and best friend to Sean Whelan.   Mike was married to Martha Bromage and they share the most wonderful gifts in the world~~Scarlett and Jameson.  He is also survived by numerous cousins and relatives, and most notably his surviving grandparents Barbara Whelan and Frank DeMiglio, both of whom live in Franklin, MA.

Mike was born and raised in an Air Force family.  His birth place was Wiesbaden Germany known since the Roman ages for its healing spas and natural beauty.  His first three years he lived in Worfelden Germany.  When it was time leave Germany for America, Mike landed at his grandparents’ home with his baby brother and mother in Needham, Massachusetts.  Mike lived there 16 months while his father was deployed to a remote site in Alaska.  When his father returned, Mike and Sean packed their toys and headed south to Seffner Florida where they spent a unique and fun filled year. Funny, but when you’re a kid in Florida, all the relatives seem to drop in during the winter.  We enjoyed a nearly endless stream of visitors and friends for the short year we lived there.

So after that short year in Florida, it was on the road again and we headed for a new adventure at Tinker AFB in Midwest City, Oklahoma.

It was in Midwest City where Mike put down the real roots of his early life.  Mike attended Steed Elementary School from Kindergarten through the 6^th grade.  He grew and thrived surrounded by the most wonderful friends and neighbors on the planet.  Michael was one of the few Air Force Kids who actually started and finished elementary school in one place.  He attended Steed Elementary where he was a tried and true “Steed Charger”.  Michael was in little league, wrestling, cub scouts, and active as an altar boy.   To this day, Michael is still in touch with those very special people he grew up with, particularly Julian, Jimmy and Jamie who shared that special time and place.  After Steed, Mike was off to school across town to Carl Albert Junior High where he excelled as a saxophone player, a boy scout and discovered his passion for reading and writing.

It was after Junior High that Mike and the family retired from the Military life and relocated to Franklin, MA.  Mike was just in Franklin a few days and when he jumped in with both feet and joined the ranks of Franklin High School.  Here Mike met many new people, and made many friends, some to become lifelong.

Following High School, Michael attended Massasoit Community College where he earned his associate degree and a coveted transfer to the University of Mass in Amherst.  Michael spent several years there before leaving to explore a little bit of life in and around Atlanta Georgia.  After that adventure, Michael returned to UMass to finish up his degree with a double major in Journalism and Political Science.  It was here, in this final leg of his education, where he met his wonderful friend, soul mate, and future wife Martha Bromage.  Their relationship lead to marriage and they resided at 1 Brenda Lane, in Belchertown, Mass, just 5 miles from their beloved UMass campus and downtown Amherst.  And from this relationship the true miracle of life occurred twice. Michael and Martha became the parents of the most beautiful and loving children in the world, Scarlett and Jameson. 

Mike was a man of many passions with a thirst for life. He loved music, especially Phish and Ween, and he visited concerts and festivals all over the country; he also sang for a band in high school. He had a passion for comics and tattoos, and he shared his love of comics and Star Wars with his daughter Scarlett son Jameson. He loved sports, and he followed the Celtics, Red Sox, and Patriots. He was passionate about hiking, video games, and reading

However, as we know the children’s Dad time was tragically cut short.  But though the time was short, the depth of love Michael had for his children will forever be his greatest legacy.  The unmistakable, unbreakable bond and will become the very foundation of his children’s lives.  We know, even in our grief, that there is no greater love than parent to child. Mike‘s special love will extend forever through the generations. His wit was unparalleled. His friendliness and personality were magnetic. He made you laugh even if you didn’t want to. 

So it is—with a faith and providence we can’t understand, Michael, our greatest joy, left us far sooner than we ever expected.  And with his passing we feel a great loss and near endless grief.  But through the tears, we celebrate the light our wonderful son gave to the world. Never on himself but always through others. My dear son Michael, on this journey you will be forever missed and loved. May God protect you.  Till we embrace again, it is farewell to our son, father, and brother.  We just can’t thank you enough for the blessings you brought into our lives.  It is us who are truly blessed.

If only one word described your legacy, it would be kindness.  You were the best hugger in the world and will be forever remembered as the kindest person we have ever known.  Michael, your time amongst us has ended. God, bless you and Thank you.  Your gifts will live forever. We Love you so much.         

Mike, Joanne and Sean Whelan