Chaplins Corner

Chaplain's Corner

Thomas "Mom" Hartley MS2 (SS)

USS Sea Devil SSN664

Feb. 1985 to Nov. 1987

Final patrol, Aug. 8, 2008

I am not a member of this crew but was on Subs back in the late 60’s into the 70’s. I ran into and made friends with Tom Hartley who Served on the USS Sea Devil SSN 664 from 1985 -1987 as a cook. Rate MS2 (SS). Nickname was MOM.
I regrettably have to say that he passed away on 8/5/08. It was sudden and I didn’t get a chance to see him before that.
Tom was a cook, still doing what he loved best, for us in our Cafeteria at Credit Suisse in Princeton, New Jersey. I know he went to a couple of reunions with you guys and had a great time.
I was trying to get him to join a SubVets group in the area as he lived in South Jersey but he just didn’t get that chance to do it.
I hope anyone that knew him could send me an email or add a guest book note as to your experiences with him. I am sure he would have loved that or even something in the Chaplain’s Corner.

thnx to all..... hope to hear from you soon... Ike ike.cohen@net-lynx.com

John Francis Whelan

Sept. 6, 2008

VIRGINIA BEACH , Va. – Captain John Whelan passed away September 6th, 2008 at his home. He was born in Whitman, Mass on December 29th, 1936 to John and Germaine Whelan.

He was preceded in death by his son, Christopher. Captain Whelan is survived by his wife, the former Mary Jane Sunday of Clearfield, PA, his sons Richard, John Daniel and wife Suzy of Virginia Beach, Steven and wife Vivian of Powells Point, NC and daughter in law Cathy Whelan of Virginia Beach . He leaves also his grandchildren, Andrew, Hope, Skylar and Steven.

He joined the Navy as an enlisted man in 1954 before entering the United States Naval Academy , graduating in 1960. He enjoyed a distinguished naval career spending 31 years mostly aboard nuclear submarines including the USS Abraham Lincoln, USS Sea Devil, USS Halibut and commanding the USS Tinosa and the L Y Spear. He served early in his career aboard the KD Bailey. Captain Whelan also led staff submarine operations for Comsublant in Norfolk and Comsubpac in Hawaii . He earned the National Defense Service Medal, three Navy Commendation medals, the Navy Achievement medal, and two meritorious service medals.

While having a distinguished Naval career, John's other interests included spending time out on the Chesapeake Bay fishing with his sons. He enjoyed all kinds of fishing, but especially good times were had during rockfish season. John took his family to Key West every year to enjoy the sunshine and the sea. He also spent time working diligently for the Chris Whelan Memorial Golf Tournament honoring his late son. He was a member of Eastern Shore Chapel in Virginia Beach . John was an exceptional man in his service to his country, but even more so in his love for his family.

The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. on Tuesday September 9, 2008 in H.D. Oliver Funeral Apts., Laskin Road Chapel. A funeral service will be held in Eastern Shore Chapel Episcopal Church with the Reverend C. Christopher Thompson at 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday. Interment will follow in Eastern Shore Chapel Cemetery . Online condolences may be made at www.hdoliver.com In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Virginia Beach Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 945 , Virginia Beach , VA 23451 .

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Thanks to George Boyle for the following information:

As Chaplain of the Tarheel Base of U.S. Submarine Veterans, Inc., I want to report the passing of a member of the commissioning crew of USS SEA DEVIL (SS-664). John Patrick (Pat) Shanklin (SA) set sail on his eternal patrol from his residence in Charlotte, NC, on Wednesday, 26 September 2007. His funeral service was held at Dilworth United Methodist Church in Charlotte on Monday, 1 October 2007. His next of kin is his father, Walt Shanklin, 7920 Norman Court, Denver, NC 28037.

" The commissioning Chief of the Boat, Richard A. Seeber, TMCS (SS) USN (Ret.) passed away at age 80 on July 4th, 2007. The USS Sea Devil Association's respects were conveyed by the presence of the Association Commander, Michael "Mickey" Martin at the visitation on Friday, July 6th."

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Thank you to Mr. Glen Davis, step son of Chief Seeber, for informing us of his passing, we are most grateful.

Richard A. Seeber, 80, of the 6200 block of Apple St., passed away at home on the 4th of July 2007.

He was the son of the late Claude F. Seeber Sr. and Lita A. Seeber of Canastota NY. His brother Claude F. Seeber Sr. preceded him.

Survivors include a loving wife of 40 years, Della H. Seeber; five children, Karen Gravley of Norfolk, VA, Richard A. Seeber, Jr. of Norfolk, VA, Joseph L. Seeber of Los Angeles, CA, Cheryl Ann Seeber of Mississippii, and Rita R. Jensen of Newport News, VA; two step children, Edward Glenn Davis of New Jersey and Melvin H. Davis of Virginia; fifteen grandchildren; and two sisters, Lind West and Shirley Johnson, both of New York. He was predeceased by a step son, Robert L. Davis.

He was a veteran of WWII and the Korean War. He served 30 years in the US Navy and retired after 19 years at Newport News Shipbuilding as a Senior Designer.

During retirement he helped with meals on wheels for 7 years in the Tidewater area. He belonged to the FRA, American Legion, Moose Lodge #141, VFW, and Sub Vets.

A funeral service will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Saturday at Snellings Funeral Home, Churchland Chapel with Rev. Michael G. Boehling officiating. Burial will follow in Olive Branch Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday evening from 7 to 8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.snellingsfuneralhome.com.

" COB, Rest Your Oar "

George Boyle has volunteered to be the 'Contact Person' for donations to help Jim Schenk.

" I contacted U.S. Subvets Inc. (USSVI) and the Groton Base where Jim belongs, and they too will be soliciting funds. USSVI Brotherhood foundation will donate about $700.00 when we have collected same amount."

THANK YOU George, for your efforts and for the work you're doing as USSVI Eastern Regional Director

For those who haven't heard, Jim Schenk has been battling Mantle Cell
Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma and recently completed his first chemo
treatment. The results seem promising, but because of his condition
he has not been able to work and is very short of funds for day to day
living, among other things. Your prayers for him and other moral
support will be appreciated, so he knows we are thinking about him.