James B. 'Spider' Whalen

James B. ‘Spider’ Whalen, 79, of Toronto, OH, passed away Monday, January 5, 2015 in the Valley Hospice Care Center North in Steubenville, OH.

Spider was born January 26, 1935 in Toronto, son of the late Stephen and Mary Lisby Whalen.

He was a 1952 graduate of Toronto High School, a member of the Toronto American Legion and VFW, an avid golfer and Pittsburgh Steeler fan. Spider retired from Hancock Manufacturing in Toronto, where he was a foreman.

Spider was a Veteran of the US Air Force, for 4 years, during the Korean War Conflict having served 2 years in Alaska and 2 years at the Pentagon.

In addition to his parents, Spider was preceded in death by his daughter, Stephanie J. Heckathorn who passed in 2013.

Spider leaved behind his wife, Mary Ann (Vosvick) Whalen of Toronto, whom he married January 2, 1956; his daughter, Susan (Tom) Pytash of Toronto; his grandchildren, Stephanie and Melissa Pytash, Ashley (Derick) Reid, Cheri (Travis) Reed and Natalie (Dave Porter) Heckathorn; his great-grandchildren, Kailey and Kaydee Pytash, Parker Reed and Dexter Reid; his sister, Patricia (Calvin) Johnston of Dubois, PA and his dog and loving companion Lucas.

Family graveside services for Spider will be held on January 24 at 11 am in Toronto Union Cemetery (lower section) in Toronto. Full Military Honors will be provided by the Toronto American Legion Post #86.  

Spider’s family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Starre, Carriage Inn, Heritage Home Health, Trinity Medical Center, Valley Hospice and his neighbors for all their care and support during his illness.

Spider’s arrangements are in the care of the J.E. Foster Funeral Home in Toronto.

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