Warren Ross Whitely, 72, lifelong resident of Park Ridge, passed away after a brief but courageous battle with an illness at Lutheran General Hospital on August 13, 2023.

Mr. Whitely went to Merrill School and Lincoln Junior High. As a boy he played in Park Ridge little league and briefly played freshman football at Maine South until he was injured. He graduated from Maine South in 1969 where he was President of the concert Band and student music director of the Variety Show. Warren graduated from Northern Illinois University in 1974 with a bachelor's degree in Music Education and a K-12 Teaching Certificate. While at NIU he served as Vice President for Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, the national music fraternity. Upon Graduation he chose to become an entertainer instead of a teacher. At various times in his life, Warren was a sports fan, writer, musician, and windsurfer. In the 80's he earned a black belt in Tae Kwon Do. Also in the 80's Warren spent three years completing a workshop at the city's famed Second City.

Mr. Whitely was a "cradle Episcopalian". Warren is preceded in death by his parents William and Eunice, sister Anita, and "the little brother he always wanted" Buddy the cat. He is survived by his cousins, close personal friends and fond neighbors.

Visitation 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, August 30, Nelson Funeral Home, 820 W Talcott  Rd. Park Ridge, IL 60068. Graveside service, 10:30 a.m., Thursday, August 31, Montrose Cemetery, Chicago (please plan to meet at the front gate of the cemetery entrance).

For information, 847-823-5122 or www.nelsonfunerals.com