William "Coach" Whalen

William “Coach” Whalen, 81 of Concord, Ohio was born on March 12, 1943, and was called home to be with the Lord on February 14, 2025. Known as “Coach” to all who knew him, he was passionate about the games of Basketball and Softball, especially coaching high school girls, which he did with his whole heart for over thirty years. He loved and gave his all for the game and for every player. It was truly a “Little slice of Heaven” for him to be able to do this. Bill was a Navy veteran who wore his vet status with his shirts, jackets, and his hats to show the world he was proud of being a Vet, but also to make sure he got his veteran discount wherever he went! He was married for 58 years to Barbara Whalen (nee: Bazan), and they are proud parents of three beautiful and caring daughters: Patricia (Rodney Lenardos) Guynn, Laura (Jim) Boyd and Michelle (Uriel) Castro. Bill was a “girl dad” to his daughters, but also still “Coach.” He had a built-in team of cute little landscapers who helped take care of the yard, which got them lots of fresh air. He bought them jewelry every Christmas and spent lots of time picking out just the right item, and he loved seeing them wear it. His relationship with each daughter was special, and each one was his favorite. There was lots of laughter in the house, as the girls are all very funny and kept us entertained. Bill and Barb talked many times about how they did something right to be blessed with such caring, helpful, loving daughters. Adding to the family are five wonderful grandchildren: Nicholas, Kaitlyn, Jakob, Elizabeth and Chloe; and one great grandson, Dylan. Bill loved each of them very much and they were a “little slice of heaven” in his life. He is survived by his wife, children, sons-in-law and grand/great grandkids. Bill is also survived by his brothers: Larry (Joyce) Whalen and Tim (Lisa) Whalen; sister: Kathleen (Kim) Kapela, and lots of nieces and nephews. Bill was preceded in death by his parents: Joseph and Mary Whalen, his older brother: Joseph (Chung Suk) Whalen and son-in-law: James Guynn. Knowing and loving Bill has been a “big slice of heaven”. A memorial gathering to celebrate Bill’s life will be held 5:00 p.m., - 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, February 18, 2025 at the Brunner Sanden Deitrick Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 8466 Mentor Ave., Mentor, Ohio 44060. A service to conclude the gathering will begin at 7:00 p.m., at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/donate Offer condolences at www.brunners.com

William "Coach" Whalen

March 12, 1943 - February 14, 2025