(June 20, 1924-January 28, 2001)

NORWOOD--Gilbert Welby Whalen, 76, DeLeon Spring, Fla., formerly of Norwood, died Sunday at Florida Hospital, DeLand. He had suffered from congestive heart failure for seven years.

 Mr. Whalen operated the Norwood Inn and Norwood Bowl for 33 years, retiring in 1976. He then trained horses for harness racing in Saratoga from 1977 to 1983 and then at Spring Garden Ranch, DeLeon Springs, until he became ill in 1994.

 Born June 20, 1924, in Watertown, son of Gilbert and Keitha Whalen, he graduated from Valley Forge Military Academy, Wayne, Pa., in 1943 and was immediately inducted into the Army. He served during World War II in Africa, Sicily, France and Germany and received two Purple Hears, a Bronze Star and a Silver Star. He was a Ranger in the 3rd Battalion and was discharged in 1945.

 He married Rita T. Cusimano on June 12, 1948, at St. Margaret's Church rectory, Buffalo, with the Rev. John Nugent officiating.

 Surviving besides his wife are a daughter, Mary Jane Villot, Grenoble, France; a son, Gilbert Michael Whalen, San Francisco; four grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

 A memorial service is scheduled today at St. Barnabas Episcopal Church, DeLand.

 Arrangements are with Allen-Summherhill Funeral Home, DeLand.

(Taken from the Wednesday, January 31, 2001 edition of the Watertown Daily Times, page 29).