Roger F. Whalen, 78, of Huntley (formerly Chicago) passed away unexpectedly at his home on June 21, 2024. He was born in Chicago, IL on February 12, 1946 to Francis and Margaret (nee Enright) Whalen. Soon after graduating high school, Roger joined the Chicago Police Department as a police cadet and then was sworn in as a police officer. After serving the CPD for 44 years he retired as a captain. He was in charge of security at Wrigley Field for nearly 40 years and also co-owned a security company that secured Soldier Field for a few years. Roger was appointed by Governor Pat Quinn to the Illinois Racing Board in 2011. In Roger’s free time he enjoyed visiting different casinos, his favorite vacation spot was Las Vegas. He enjoyed entertaining by having his family over and spending time with his neighbors in the Del Webb community. If you knew Roger, you knew his love for Heinz ketchup, he put it on everything. Roger will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Roger is survived by his devoted best friend and angel, Jan Keane; his loving children Jeannie (Jim) Joseph, Christine (Dan) O’Brien, and Sandy (Michael) Whalen-Smith. Proud grandfather of Jimmy Joseph, Jessica Joseph, Jason (Maddy) Joseph, Megan O’Brien, and Joshua Joseph; brother of Patricia (Dennis) Oleszek, Ret. CPD Thomas (Sheila) Whalen, Ret. CPD Robert Whalen, and Mary (David) Smith, and fond uncle to many nieces and nephews.
Roger is preceded in death by his parents, Francis and Margaret Whalen; his brother, Ret. CPD John “Jack” (Dorothy) Whalen; and his beloved dog Buddy.
A Celebration of Roger's Life will be held on Wednesday July 10th, 2024 from 4pm-7pm with a Chicago Police chaplain leading a prayer at 6:45pm at DeFiore Funeral Home in Huntley, IL.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation or the Brotherhood for the Fallen if you should so choose.
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I’ve known the Whalen family for over 60 years. I worked for Roger for a short time in Town Hall on his tact team. Later I worked for him at Wrigley Field for over 30 years. My deepest condolences to his family and to Jan. May he rest in peace.
Uncle Roger will be Greatly missed we had many wonderful times throughout the years at Family Gatherings
I knew Rogers brothers but did not know him personally till I worked for him at Wrigley.. I watched him and his leadership qualities and thought he was the perfect boss to work for...Very sorry for his family...I was shocked to here of this.
Roger was a very intelligent and nice man to work with at Wrigley. I respected his wisdom and humor alike. I respected his leadership all the years I worked with him. He will be remembered and missed.
Class act. I was lucky to know him. I just ran into him at doctor a couple weeks ago. I'm glad I got to shake his hand one last time.
He was a true gentleman thru out his career and one of the best bosses.
Deepest condolences to entire Whalen family. Roger and I shared a few memorable times in the past years. 💔🙏
Deep condolences to all of Roger's family and friends-he will be missed.
Roger was a great leader and friend to everyone. He’ll be missed and remembered for ever.
Condolences to the Roger Whalen family.I worked under Roger leadership for a short time in the CPD.He was always fair and easy to talk to,he will be missed.God bless him.
Condolences to Whalen family, especially Captain Bob who I worked for in 24. I never worked for Roger, but I was in the old 015 when he was there. A class act as far as I seen in my fortythree plus years with the CPD. Again my sympathy to Bob, and to the rest of his family and friends on their loss, RIP Roger.
Heartfelt and prayerful condolences from the Chicago Police Chaplains. Roger will be remembered at the next Police Mass. In the meantime, may family and friends know the healing touch of our all-loving, all-merciful God! [Police Chaplains Ministry: www.ChicagoPCM.org or 312/738-7588]
Prayers for his family. I worked for Capt Whalen, when I first got on the job. Super nice guy, helpful, and a good sense of humor. He backed his troops and made sure everyone was taken care of, when they needed help. One of my favorite memories was a roll call on midnights. He read out roll call, and asked if he had missed anyone. Jim Mulligan was at the back of the room and raised his hand, "You missed me Captain." Captain Whalen looked at the sheets and said " You're RDO Jim." Jim just shook his head and said "S#*t!" Everyone got a laugh, Captain just smiled and said "See the desk, we will switch you're RDO for this week" Just a class act.
My deepest condolences to Whalen family and friends. He was not only a great Boss, but a man with integrity and would help a fellow officer and friends. May GOD watch over you and your family. R.I.P. AMEN
God bless his soul and comfort his family and friends. We were cadets and POs togther. A fine decent man.
Roger was one of the good guys and a fair man to work for. I was only on his watch for a few periods in 024, but years later I got to see him nearly every day when I worked the Cubs games in the Detail Unit. And I often saw him in the neighborhood when I walked my kids to St Monica's School. He was a legend. I think I read that he became a sergeant at age 24 and was a captain by age 33? Wow.
Christine, so sorry to hear about you're Dad. He was the best Police boss at Soldier Field I worked for. Many fond memories of Roger and our security team. R.I.P. Roger...
My condolences to the Whalen family . May he rest in peace
My sincere heart felt condolences to the Whalen family! I go back over 60yrs. From St. Mel’s with Roger, a class act always especially through his CPD career! RIP Roger now that you have the best seat in the house for the Cubbies games !!!!
MARY, SO SORRY YOU ANDYOUR FAMILY WILL BE IN MY PRAYERS
My deepest condolences to you, Mary, and the entire Whalen family. You will all be in my thoughts and prayers.