John Francis Whelan

John Francis Whelan of Corona del Mar, passed away peacefully on July 26, 2018 at his home. 

John was born on October 8, 1939 in Simonstown in the Town of Moone, County Kildare and was the son of the late Michael and Anne Whelan of Ireland.  Beloved spouse and faithful companion to Brad Prescott, loving brother of Mary O’Malley (the late Martin) of Chicago; Brigid O’Mahony (the late Sean) of County Donegal; Patrick (Catherine) Whelan of County Kildare; Margaret Shillington (the late Gene) of Costa Mesa, California; Anne O’Callaghan (the late Dr. Peter) O'Callaghan Dublin; and, the late Philomena O’Connell (Thomas) of County Kildare.  Devoted uncle to many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews.  Dear friend to many. 

John emigrated from Ireland to the United States in 1955 initially to Chicago where he began his career, later settling in his beloved Southern California.  John was a leading salesperson with Sears & Roebuck Co. in Chicago, which invited him to Southern California in 1966 to help open its South Coast Plaza location.  Following his successful retail career, John started an even more successful career in real estate, first with Walker & Lee’s Costa Mesa office, serving as its top salesperson in 1970.  John eventually started his own firm, now known as Whelan Property Management.

An avid volunteer and assistant to many causes, several anonymously, John was involved in Toastmasters International and until his passing offered his time to Hoag Hospital in Newport Beach.  John was a longtime supporter of the LGBT community.  Through the Whelan-Prescott Foundation, John and Brad provided a path for many low-income students to fulfill their dream of a college education. 

John was a generous soul who touched the hearts of many. 

A memorial service is scheduled for Wednesday, August 1.  Please call the office for details.  Interment will be private; however, thoughts and prayers may be written to the family via Brown Colonial Mortuary or online at www.browncolonialmortuary.net.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to The LGBT Center OC, located at 1605 N. Spurgeon St., Santa Ana, CA 92701.

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