Thomas B. Whaling

Thomas B. Whaling, 74, of North Ridgeville, passed away peacefully on Monday, August 28, 2023 at Ames Family Hospice in Westlake after a long battle with heart disease. He was born prematurely  at home on July 13, 1949 in DuBois, PA to parents Harry and Joy (nee: Salada). Tom graduated from Penn State University with a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education, and went on to earn Master’s and Educational Specialist degrees in Educational Administration from Kent State University. He was a beloved elementary school teacher and principal for over 25 years with Elyria City Schools, where he also touched the lives of many in his longtime role on the Board for Save Our Children of Elyria and membership in Elyria Kiwanis. He proudly served his country in the US Army National Guard for six years and was a member of the American Legion Post #217. An esteemed track and soccer athlete in his youth, Tom enjoyed golf and bowling throughout his adult life. He was a devoted fan of the Cleveland Guardians baseball team and Nittany Lions football team. Tom was an ambitious traveler, always planning his next global adventure though never forgetting his roots in rural Appalachia. He was a loving husband and devoted father and grandfather who will long be remembered for his generous heart and cringe-worthy Dad jokes. Survivors include his wife of 50 years, Denice (nee: Cartmill); daughters, Diane (Nicholas) Ostang, Deborah (Nathan) Shubick; son, Michael (Holli); sisters, Wanda Sackash, Pat (John “Buzz”) Panighetti; brother, Harry “Buck” (Nancy); grandchildren, Samantha and Rebecca Ostang, Evan and Asa Whaling; and his beloved dog, Lucy. He is preceded in death by his parents; son, Mark; sisters, Pamela Bobal and Prudence McNally; and his brother, Robert. Visitation will be held on Saturday, September 2, 2023 at the Laubenthal Mercado Funeral Home 38475 Chestnut Ridge Rd (at State Rt 57) in Elyria from 2 PM until the time of service at 5 PM. Pastor Micah Holland from Avon United Methodist Church will officiate. Elyria VFW Post 211 will present full military honors. The family will hold a private burial at Belden Cemetery in Grafton Township at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested contributions in Tom’s name to Save Our Children of Elyria, 330 2nd St. Elyria, OH 44035. Anyone wishing to send condolences can do so online at www.laubenthalmercado.com. Arrangements are entrusted to Laubenthal Mercado Funeral Home in Elyria.

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