WAYLAND: James A. Whelton, M.D. of Wayland, who served twenty-five years as chairman of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center and a professor at Tufts University Medical School, died peacefully surrounded by his beloved family on Saturday, May 12, 2012.
He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Louise (Mahoney) Whelton of Wayland, his sons, James and his wife Mary of Quincy, David and his wife Anabel of Dorchester and Matthew and his wife Kristin of Newton. Grandfather of Marcos, Santiago, Mateo and Samuel and uncle to many beloved nieces and nephews.
Dr. Whelton was born at the family home in Charlestown, the youngest of nine children of Michael and Margaret (Hayes) Whelton who emigrated from Ireland.
He was a graduate of Boston College High School, Boston College and Tufts University Medical School. He served his internship at Carney-St. Margaret’s Hospitals in Dorchester and then did his surgical residency at Sloan-Kettering Memorial Cancer Center in New York. He received a fellowship from the New York Academy of Medicine and did further graduate study in Stockholm, Paris and Munich. Upon his return he practiced in Boston and then sailed on the ship Hope to provide medical care to the people of Ecuador. He had a lifelong interest in the Spanish language and culture and was a strong supporter of Boston College. He was the author of numerous publications on obstetrics and gynecology. Dr. Whelton was a longtime member of the Mass. Medical Society, the American College of Surgeons, the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology and a past president of the Boston Obstetrical Society. He served his country during World War II with the United States Navy. Dr. Whelton will be remembered for his devotion to his family, his profession and his faith and he gave his very best to all three.
Visitations will be held on Wednesday, May 16, 2012 from 4:00 to 8:00 pm at the John C. Bryant Funeral Home, 56 Pemberton Road (Off Route 30), Wayland.
His Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, May 17, 2012 at 10:30 am at the Good Shepherd Parish at Saint Ann’s Church, 124 Cochituate Rd (Route 27), Wayland.
Interment will follow in the Whelton family lot in North Cemetery in Wayland.
In lieu of flowers, his family suggests donations in his memory may be sent to Blessed John XXIII National Seminary, 558 South Avenue, Weston, MA 02493 or to Boston College, Irish Studies Department, Office of University Advancement, Alumni Center, 140 Commonwealth Avenue, Chestnut Hill, MA 02467
For on-line condolences and directions please visit www.johncbryantfuneralhome.com.