Longtime harness horseman Jesse George Whalen passed away on December 8, 2010 at Easton Memorial Hospital, Easton, Matyland at age 76.

Whalen was an active harness owner and driver that campaigned a small stable of horses at racetracks in Maryland and Delaware for nearly four decades. Some of his best remembered pacers and trotters were Ripping Scott, Bonnies Son, Party Manners, Blythe Senator and Tars Leo.

Born in Chester, Pennsylvania, Whalen relocated to Sudlersville, Maryland, not far from Dover, Delaware, where he enjoyed farm work, caring for his garden and was known for debating politics with his friends and family. In addition to his passion working with horses, Whalen worked as a Millwright for Local Union 1545.

Jesse is survived by his wife of 55 years, Peggy Whalen of Sudlersville, two sons, Jesse 'Randy' Whalen and wife Jan, of Sudlersville, and Mark Whalen and wife Joanne of Millington, Maryland.; a brother, James, of Crumpton, Maryland, a sister, Barbara Hudson of West Chester, Pennsylvania, and four grandchildren.

Services for Whalen were held at Fellows, Helfenbein and Newman Funeral Home, Millington, Maryland with interment in Sudlersville Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be sent to American Cancer Society, Eastern Shore Chapter, P.O. Box 163, Salisbury, MD 21801

Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Jesse Whalen.

(Dover Downs)