Robert L. “Bob” Whaley
August 11, 1925 - December 24, 2017
Robert L. Bob Whaley, age 92, of Wilmington, DE, passed away on Sunday, December 24, 2017.
Born in Essington, PA on August 11, 1925, he was a son of the late Lawrence F. and Hattie V. (Jester) Whaley. Bob proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy during WWII on the USS LST #496, where he was a recipient of the Purple Heart. Bob was a survivor of Exercise Tiger on April 28, 1944 and participated in the invasion of Omaha Beach on D-Day, June 6, 1944.
He made his career as a traffic controller with Amtrak, retiring in 1985 after 35 years of service. After retirement, Bob became a school bus driver for the Brandywine School District. He was a member of Calvary Episcopal Church in Wilmington. Bob was also a charter member of the Military Order of the Purple Heart Chapter #9377, DAV Chapter #10, American Legion Post #1, and the Wilmington Elk’s Lodge #307.
He was happiest when he was helping others, especially volunteering at the VA Hospital and the homeless shelters at Sts. Andrew and Matthew.
In addition to his parents, Bob was preceded in death by his brother, George D. Whaley; and sister, Elizabeth Baxter. He is survived by his loving wife of 41 years, Barbara (Johnson) Whaley; son, Robert L. Whaley, Jr.; daughters, Nancy A. Raison and Jeannette W. Riddle; step sons, John D. Conner (Kathy) and Gary R. Conner (Kathleen); step daughter, Cynthia L. Sciotto (Tony); 11 grandchildren; and 12 great grandchildren.
The family would like to thank the staff at Foulk Manor North for the excellent care they provided Bob.
A gathering for family and friends will be held from 10:30 am until 11:30 am on Wednesday, January 17, 2018 at the Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 1000 N. DuPont Parkway, New Castle, DE, where a memorial service will be held at 11:30 am. Interment will be held privately in Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 2465 Chesapeake City Road, Bear, DE.
Richard M. Magner
To Barbara and the Whaley family I was saddened to hear of Bob’s passing. Bob was a true Patriot and a fine gentlemen. He always greeted you with a smile and loved a good joke. May He Rest In Peace.
Larry Shaffer
Barbara, So very sorry to read that Bob had passed. It has been so long since we were friends but I still have fond memories.
Larry Shaffer
Audrey Henry
Ms. Barbara and family , Wishing you comfort at this sorrowful time.
Susan Mitchell
Dear Barbara, Nancy and Jeanette,
Ted and I will be thinking of all of you during Uncle Bob’s service. I wish we could be there with you. Hopefully we’ll see you in the spring. Stay close and stay strong just like he was.
With love,
Susan and Ted
Pat Little
Barbara, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family as we honor the life of Bob. It was always a joy to see Bob at one of our meetings as well as seeing both of you at our Brunches. May he rest in peace.
Pat Little