Former Mount Pleasant Superintendent John Whearty Dies
Valhalla resident John Whearty, a former Mount Pleasant School District superintendent of schools and an educator in the district for 34 years, died on May 12.
He was 82.
Whearty began his career in Mount Pleasant in 1962 when was appointed the first principal of Westlake High School, which opened that fall. He later became superintendent and retired from the district in 1996.
Whearty was remembered fondly by Board of Education Trustee Theresa Fowler, who is also a longtime school bus driver for the district.
“Mr. Whearty was well-respected in the community,” Fowler said. ”He played a significant role in the Rotary, which awarded selected seniors in Westlake High School for their academics and service to the community.”
Whearty was a strong supporter of the arts, and the district named the high school auditorium after him, Fowler noted. She said Whearty continued to be active in the community after his retirement, often attending board meetings and award ceremonies.
“Mr. Whearty will always be remembered as a man committed to the school district now and then. That is his legacy,” Fowler said.
Whearty was a member of the Mount Pleasant Rotary Club, the Mount Pleasant Community Theater and various professional organizations. He was also a parishioner at Valhalla United Methodist Church.
Whearty was born on Apr. 17, 1934, in Glen Cove, N.Y. to the late James and Gertrude Whearty.
He is survived by his wife, Joan (nee White) Whearty; his loving daughters Noel Whearty of Valhalla and Merry (Jon) Thomas of Hawthorne; two cherished grandchildren, Justin and Nichole Thomas; and many nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his beloved son, John Whearty Jr., in 1994, and his brothers Robert and James Whearty.
A funeral service was held on Saturday at Valhalla United Methodist Church.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Whearty’s name may be sent to the Valhalla United Methodist Church, 200 Columbus Ave., Valhalla, N.Y. 10595.
