Michael K. Whalen

Michael K. Whalen, 65, a one-time Auburn resident and frequent visitor, passed away on November 19, 2025 at his residence in Whitestone, NY. Micheal was born in Auburn on July 17, 1960 at Auburn’s Mercy Hospital to the late Jon and Vera Whalen. 

Michael moved with his family to New York City when he was ten years old. He graduated from Manhasset High School in 1978. He became a New York City firefighter in 1989 and served in the FDNY for twenty-three years. Serving mostly in South Jamaica, Queens, he was a member of Engine Company 303 – nicknamed the “Princeton Tigers” after the street where the firehouse was located and their reputation as fearless firefighters.

Mike was a 9/11 first responder to the World Trade Center and spent many weeks at “The Pile,” as the smoldering ruins were called, searching for the remains of deceased civilians and members of the fire department.

In 2011, Michael suffered severe injuries to his back while fighting a fire when a roof collapsed on top of him and two other firefighters. Despite his injuries, he was credited with dragging both downed firefighters to safety. However, as a result of the damage to his spine, fire department doctors determined that he was disabled and could no longer perform the duties of a firefighter.  He retired in 2012.

Over the next fourteen years, he continued to stay active, socialize with members of the fire department and friends at his firehouse. He traveled overseas and to several states. He was a Civil War history buff and together with his late father, visited many battlefields and museums. Michael was an avid fisherman whose picture once appeared in The Citizen newspaper after he caught an unusually large fish at Owasco Lake. He was a member of Auburn’s JFK Division 1 of the Ancient Order of Hibernians and enjoyed spending time at the club when visiting Auburn.

Michael was predeceased by his parents Jon and Vera Whalen and his loving spouse, Karen Cirillo. He is survived by his brothers, Bernard Whalen and his wife Laura of West Hempstead, brother Frank and his wife Denise of Auburn; nephews James and Kevin Whalen; nieces Jennifer DeVercelly and her husband Matthew, Melissa Masseria and her husband David; and cousins Bridget and Dan Pavelchak and Tavis Whalen, among many others.

He will be missed by friends and family alike.

A viewing was held on Long Island for friends and family on Tuesday, November 25, 2025 with the FDNY Honor Guard in attendance.

Local calling hours will be held Monday, December 1, 2025 from 9:00 to 11:00am in the White Chapel Funeral Home Inc., 197 South Street, Auburn. Burial will follow in St. Joseph’s Cemetery.

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