Frederick Howard Whelden, Jr.

Frederick Howard Whelden, Jr., died October 16, 2024, at his daughter Catherine’s home in Harwich. He was born September 29, 1931, in Hyannis, MA, the son of Frederick Howard Whelden, Sr. and Doris Harding Whelden Bearse. Fred was a 14th generation descendant of Elder William Brewster and Stephen Hopkins (Mayflower Pilgrims) and of Gabriel Whelden (one of the first settlers of Yarmouth, MA).
   He graduated from Chatham High School in 1949 and after graduating from Bentley College, he served in the Marine Corps during the Korean War attaining the rank of Sergeant. He was attached to the Embassy in Djarkarta, Indonesia. 
  After his four years of military service, Fred worked at W. R. Grace in NY. It was there that he met his first wife, Mary Cordani Whelden. When he returned to the Cape, Fred worked for many years at John Hinkley and Sons where he initiated and ran an Employee Stock Option Purchasing Plan. He was past president of the Chatham Rotary Club and recipient of the Paul Harris Award. 
A life-long Yankees fan, Fred happily enjoyed the sixteen years that he went to the World Series where he watched 137 games. He saw Reggie Jackson hit four home runs! Fred was an avid golfer and during his retirement, he worked at various golf courses on the Cape. He enjoyed spending winters in Sarasota, FL, playing endless games of golf (three holes in one) and watching as much winter baseball as he could.
Frederick was predeceased by his parents, his first wife Mary, and his brother William. Survivors include his children Catherine Durand (Roger, deceased), Elizabeth, Laurie, Alicia, Jennifer Cho (Don), and Matthew (Cheryl Cairns). He is also survived by his five grandchildren: Emma Cho, Max Cho, Cameron Cho, Nathan Whelden and Noah Whelden. Survivors also include Elaine Stefanik Whelden (his second wife), his sister Rowena Bearse Lauterbach and his brother Howard Whelden
Funeral services will be private at the convenience of the family. The committal service with military honors will be at the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne. Donations in his memory may be made to a charity of your choice.