Hampstead – Lawrence D. Whelan, 99, formerly of Hampstead passed away Thursday September 7, 2023, at the High Pointe Hospice House in Haverhill following a period of failing health.

Born March 23, 1924, in Somerville, MA; he was the son of the late Pierce and Elizabeth (Knisbell) Whelan.

Mr. Whelan was a graduate of St. John High School in North Cambridge, MA, and later attended the Franklin Institute in Boston. He honorably served his country during WWII in the US Navy. Upon entering the Navy, he was fortunate enough to attend colleges throughout the United States during his training to become a pilot and made his career as Fire Fighter for 32 years with the Somerville Fire Department.

He was the last of his generation within the family. He grew up one of seven children in the Union Square area of Somerville. He and his wife Eleanor were married for 67 wonderful years, always treating her with love and adoration. They raised their family in the Ball Square neighborhood in Somerville and were members of St. Clement's Church. His faith guided him in life and now to his resting place in heaven. Visiting the Lakes Region in New Hampshire inspired him to build a family cottage in Moultonborough on Lake Winnipesaukee next to his brother John. This was truly his passion and having no formal training in carpentry or plumbing he built a home that we know he was so very proud of. We have always been so grateful to him for doing this and will always remember his wish for future generations to enjoy this beautiful area and home he loved. He was a great swimmer and loved to do his backstroke across the bay. Thank you always Dad for instilling in us a love of nature and animals. Upon moving to Hampstead NH, Larry and Eleanor became parishioners of St. Anne's until moving to Windham Terrace. Upon the passing of Eleanor in 2019, Larry moved to The Residence at Salem Woods in Salem NH. The family wishes to thank all his caretakers and fellow residents for making his last few years happy ones. I know he would love for you all to keep singing and think of him with a smile.

Members of his family include his children Maureen Whalen and husband Michael of Bowie, MD; Eileen Hebert and husband Daniel of Atkinson, NH; Lauren Bickford and husband Kenneth of Moultonborough, NH; and Lawrence Whelan and wife Susan of Atkinson, NH; his grandchildren, Jamie Williamson, Tara Williamson, Eric Hebert, Kyle Hebert, Brianna Stephens, Alanna McGowan, Kendra Tetu, Andrew Whelan, Abigail Whelan and Allison Whelan, six great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his loving wife of 67 years Eleanor M. (Reagan) Whelan, as well as his six siblings Mildred Nathan, Veronica Cammilieri, John Whelan, Claire Fitzgerald, Arthur Whelan, and Mary Mann.

Family and friends are invited to visit on Thursday September 28, 2023 from 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM at St Anne's Church, 26 Emerson Ave, in Hampstead, NH. Immediately following visitation, a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated with interment to follow in Lake View Cemetery in Hampstead.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Brookside Chapel and Funeral Home, 116 Main St. Plaistow, NH. To leave a condolence for the family please visit www.brooksidechapelfh.com

In lieu of flowers, donations to St. Anne's Food Pantry or NH Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in Stratham NH in Larry's name would be greatly appreciated.

For those who would like to attend remotely please use the following link to St. Anne's Church. https://saintannechurchnh.org/livestream