Stephen James Whelan Jr. was born in 1935 in Brooklyn, New York, the only child of Stephen Whelan Sr. and Mildred (Schneider) Whelan. A talented athlete, Steve played Division I college basketball at St. Francis College, where he graduated in 1956. After serving in the U.S. Army, he spent his entire professional career with IBM, including a memorable assignment in Paris that sparked a lifelong appreciation for French wines.
A devoted Brooklyn Dodgers fan, Steve proudly wore his blue Dodgers cap—much to the confusion of those who mistook it for a Boston Red Sox cap (woe to them). When the Dodgers moved to Los Angeles, he became a dedicated New York Mets supporter and was affectionately known by many as “Mr. Met.” He also rooted faithfully—if not always rewardingly—for the Jets, Knicks and Rangers. One of his proudest possessions was a New York Rangers Stanley Cup championship ring inscribed with his name, a cherished gift from his son Joe, which he wore everywhere.
Steve married the love of his life, Catherine, on October 18, 1958, and they remained together until her passing in 2004. He is survived by his five children: Dorothy (Jeff Schwartz), Bob (Stephanie), Joe (Patty Corley), Patrick (Ellen) and Christine Giorgio (Jeff). He also leaves behind ten beloved grandchildren—David, Max, Henry, Tim, Sam, Meghan, Thomas, Matthew, Sienna and Alyson—and three great-grandchildren: Caroline, Will and Cooper.
A devout parishioner of Yorktown’s St. Patrick’s Church for more than 60 years, Steve will be remembered for his generosity, humor, loyalty and unwavering love for his family and friends—and, of course, his teams.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Calvary Hospital or St. Patrick’s Church.
Events
Visitation
Thursday, October 16, 2025
4–7 p.m.
Clark & Giordano Funeral Home
2104 Saw Mill River Road
Yorktown Heights, N.Y. 10598
Mass of Christian Burial
Friday, October 17, 2025
10:30 a.m.
New St. Patrick’s Church
137 Moseman Road
Yorktown Heights, N.Y. 10598
