George E. Whalen, an attorney for 67 years and a native of Dover Plains, New York, died on November 15, 2010 at his home in Dover Plains. He was born November 27, 1919, the son of Thomas P. Whalen and Lillian Flagler (Butler) Whalen. His grandfather, Patrick Whalen, emigrated from Ireland, with five brothers, and settled in Dover Plains in 1848. The Whalen family has resided in the Dover Plains home since 1870. On June 24, 1951, he married Mildred E. Roberto at St. Augustine's Church, Highland, New York. Mrs. Whalen survives at home. The couple had two sons, George P. Whalen, who resides at home and Thomas J. Whalen, a resident of Millbrook, who maintains a law office in Dover Plains. He is also survived by a granddaughter, Jennifer Whalen and a grandson, John T. Whalen who reside in Millbrook. Mr. Whalen was predeceased by a half brother, Otis F. Butler, a half-brother, Albert T. Whalen, and a half-sister, Selina Whalen Dolan. Mr. Whalen attended the local public schools in Dover Plains and graduated as valedictorian in 1937. He later received his B. A. Degree from Fordham University, magna cum laude in 1941. In September 1943, he graduated cum laude from Albany Law School. He passed the New York State Bar Examination in 1943 prior to graduating from law school. After his admission to the Bar he was an associate attorney for two years with the Manhattan law firm Barr, Robbins and Palmer, Esqs. He subsequently was associated with the law firm of Hon. John E. Mack, Poughkeepsie, New York and later for a short period with Stanley M. Vincent, Esq., of Dover Plains. Since 1947 he maintained a law office in Dover Plains and in 1985 entered into partnership with his son, Thomas J. Whalen, Esq. Mr. Whalen received clients in his office until just two weeks before his death. Mr. Whalen was a member of the Dover Plains Grange, the Knights of Columbus, and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He was thoroughly familiar with his family history on both his paternal and maternal lines, the Flagler family having settled in and around Poughquag in 1710. He awas a delegate to the Democratic National Convention in Miami Beach Florida in 1972. He was elected Town Clerk of the Town of Dover in 1946, and in 1947 was elected Supervisor of that town, a position which he held for a total of 10 years. In 1960, he became counsel to the New York State Comptroller, Arthur Levitt. In 1975, Governor Hugh Carey appointed Mr. Whalen Director of the Division of Community Affairs in the New York State Department of State. Mr. Whalen as an attorney employed by the State of New York wrote opinions for the guidance of municipalities throughout state. He also served as the County Attorney of Dutchess County from 1964 to 1966.
Poughkeepsie Journal, 17 Nov 2010