Robert Lee Whalen, Sr., passed peacefully on Friday, April 24, 2009, at Aiken Regional Medical Centers. "Bob" was born March 1, 1922, in New York City, the son of John Michael Whalen and Mary McInerney Whalen. He spent his early years in New York and as a teenager began working with horses, a move that eventually would lead him to a career as a thoroughbred horseman and rider. His work brought him to Aiken where he met and married Lorene Bell on February 28, 1942. In September of 1942, Bob enlisted in the Army and was placed with the reactivated "Lightning Brigade", the 78th Infantry Division that served with great distinction in Central Europe. Corporal Whalen served in the Army until the latter part of 1945 when he returned to Aiken. Bob's career included working with some of the most famous names in thoroughbred racing. He worked at Sagamore Farms for Alfred Vanderbilt II, at Greentree Stable owned by Payne Whitney, and for Elizabeth Arden Graham, owner of Maine Chance Farm. Later he spent 25 years with the New York Racing AssociationNYRA. His career concluded at Belmont Park, New York, Bob attended Levels Baptist Church in Aiken and was a member, and served as post commander in the American Legion. A devoted family man, "Pop" was greatly loved and respected by all who knew him, and especially by his family. He will be missed sorely, by family and all his good friends. Rest in Peace with God's Love. Survivors include his wife of 67 years, Lorene Bell Whalen; his son, Robert L. Whalen, Jr.; his grandson, Robert L. Whalen III Jonna of Long Island City, NY; his grand-daughter, Deana Whalen Ray Tommy of Milford, CT;and his great-granddaughter, Sojourner Celeste Whalen, Long Island City, NY. He was predeceased by his granddaughter, Kimberly D. Whalen. A service of celebration for the life of Robert Lee Whalen, Sr., will be held 11:00 a.m. Monday April 27, 2009 at George Funeral Home and Cremation Center 211 Park Avenue, SW.Aiken. The family will receive friends after the service from 12 to 1 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to; The Leukemia Foundation 107 Westpark Blvd. Suite 150, Columbia, SC., 29210 in memory of his granddaughter, Kimberly D. Whalen.