John F. Whyland's Obituary
John F. Whyland, 81, of Syracuse, passed away January 28, 2020 at Crouse Hospital surrounded by his loving family. John was born in Saranac Lake, NY, son of the late Virginia (Pendergast) and Clinton Whyland. He was a U.S. Army veteran stationed at Fort Dix, NJ and serving in Germany. John attended Onondaga Valley Academy High School and Mohawk Valley Community College. He was a member of the Insulators Local 30 in Syracuse, NY retiring from the union at 55 years of age. Following his retirement he continued to work as an independent contractor spending time in Michigan, Pennsylvania and Georgia.
John was an avid hunter and fisherman, a diehard fan of Syracuse football/basketball, and was looking forward to watching the Yankees win the World Series this year.
John is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Marie (Zirilli) Whyland; three sons, John (Shelly) Whyland of Lafayette, Michael (Fern) Whyland of Delmar, and Christopher (Melissa) Whyland of Manlius; six grandchildren, Nicole, Hali, Emily, Fletcher, Casey and Erin; two great-grandchildren, Londyn and Rowan, along with several nieces, nephews and cousins.
The family would like to thank the nurses at Crouse Hospital who cared for John over the past two months. The kind compassion and respect they showed John on a daily basis meant more to the family than they will ever know.
Family and Friends may call on Saturday, February 1, 2020 from 1:00 – 4:00 pm, followed by a Funeral Service with Military Honors in celebration of John’s life at THOMAS J. PIRRO JR FUNERAL HOME, 3401 Vickery Road (corner of Buckley Road) North Syracuse, NY. Private burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Andrew’s Anglican Church, 6136 S. Salina Street, Syracuse, NY 13205 or the Center for Disability Services, 314 S. Manning Blvd, Albany, NY 12208.
What’s your fondest memory of John?
What’s a lesson you learned from John?
Share a story where John's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with John you’ll never forget.
How did John make you smile?

