John Joseph Whalen passed away at Haywood Regional Medical Center on September 11, 2026, at the age of 80.

John was born and raised in Brady Lake, Ohio. He attended Indiana University and earned his bachelor’s degree in biology. After graduation, John moved to Washington, D.C., where he worked for the National Institutes of Health. John was drafted and served in the U.S. Army as a dog handler in Vietnam, and he was awarded the Bronze Star. On his return from the Army, he earned a master’s degree in microbiology from American University and a master’s in administration from Georgetown University.

John later moved to Cincinnati, Ohio, and joined the Commissioned Corp of the U.S. Public Health Service, earning the rank of Captain. After his retirement, John moved to Waynesville, North Carolina, where he enjoyed spending time outdoors and hiking in the Smoky Mountains. A life-long fisherman, John also loved repairing antique clocks, woodcarving, and traveling the world.

John is survived by his wife, Charlotte; their son, Michael; his daughter-in-law, Maria; and her son, Jakub.

A memorial service will be held at Wells Funeral Home of Waynesville on Saturday, September 19, at 3 p.m., with visitation beginning at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations in John’s memory be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (give.michaeljfox.org), Grand Central Station, P.O. Box 4777, New York, New York, 10163-4777, or Four Seasons Hospice, 581 South Allen St, Flat Rock, NC, 28731.

A Memorial Service will be held in John's honor at Wells Funeral Home in Waynesville on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at 3:00 PM. Visitation with the family will be held one hour prior to the service. Inurnment will take place at a later date.

The care of Mr. Whalen has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Home of Waynesville.