Brendan Matthew Whelley

Brendan Matthew Whelley (1977-2018), the best son in the whole wide world, died peacefully in his sleep on Dec. 27. He was just one month shy of his 42nd birthday. Brendan was the son of Judithann (Jude) Walsh Whelley and Thomas P. Whelley, II. His Godsister, Kate Hennesey (Carlos Tenorio), lives in Sedona, Arizona. He lived in Dayton with his mother and three dogs, his much-loved animal companion sisters, Lottie Ann, Lucie, and Luckie.

Todd Reed was always there for Brendan as were Jed Diamond and a devoted group of bonus moms: Donna Andrew, Mary Beane, Lori Gravley, Muriel Hunt, Pam Styles, and Abby Watkins.

Bren attended the Montgomery County Program at Chaminade Julienne Catholic High School, graduating in 2000. He was a client at Choices in Community Living and at Capabilities. Since 1999, Brendan volunteered every Thursday at Miami Valley Hospital. He was an avid University of Dayton basketball fan, rarely missing a home game and sometimes traveling to away games to support his beloved Flyers. He watched Wheel of Fortune and Price is Right daily, often beginning conversations with people, "Did you see the Wheel last night?" Amazingly, almost every person had.

On Saturdays, Bren went to CHEERS (Communities Helping Each and Every One Reach Success). He was happy to spend time with his CHEERS' buddies enjoying dances, crafts, and community outings.

Bren was full of joy. He would often wake his Mom by singing. He was a bright light, immediately connecting with everyone he met. His favorite food was French fries and his favorite place to have them was Red Robin. Bren was never without a backpack full of books, which he collected from a number of local book stores. In addition to reading books, he built ever-changing book sculptures which were often as tall or taller than he was. Bren was an avid swimmer.

His mom is already missing the hand hugs and the thirty second hugs that he regularly supplied, but she is so grateful for every single moment with him. The world is a different place without Brendan in it, but a much better place because he was here. He loved deeply and was deeply loved.

As hard as it is to let Brendan go, we know he was greeted in heaven by his Nana and Pop Pop (Ellen and Anthony Walsh), and they are busily catching up. He was also preceded in death by his paternal grandparents John and Martha Whelley and his paternal uncle, Jack Whelley.

In lieu of flowers to honor Brendan, please make donations to CHEERS, P.O. Box 341623, Beavercreek, OH 45434-1623.

Visitation will be Jan. 2, 2018 from 4-6 p.m. at Newcomer Funeral Home, 3380 Dayton-Xenia Road, Beavercreek, OH 45432. A small ceremony will follow from 6-7 p.m.