GILMANTON — John Joseph Whelan III, 82, of Province Road, passed away on Aug. 19, 2026, at home surrounded by his loved ones.
John was born on Sept. 6, 1943, in Boston, Massachusetts, the son of the late John Joseph Whelan Jr. and Donna (Oasley) Whelan.
John enlisted to the U.S. Army when he was 17. When he returned home, he worked for the Commonwealth Chevrolet Company. From there he worked for the Cormier Hosiery Mill, Weeks Dairy, NH Ball Bearing and the New England Telephone Company as a splicer. Upon retirement, John worked his summers at the Laconia Ice Company.
John loved animals, especially his cats and dogs. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, swimming, boating, tinkering around and repairing everything and anything. He also enjoyed cutting wood.
He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Bonnie Whelan; son John Joseph Whelan IV; sisters Barbara Countemanche, Karen Smith and Donna Kerrigan; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, John is predeceased by his brothers Tommy and Bobby Whelan.
Per John’s wishes, there will be no services.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services/603Cremations.com, 164 Pleasant St., Laconia, is assisting the family with arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial, visit wilkinsonbeane.com.
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