It is with great sadness that Atlantic Housing Foundation announces the passing of longtime friend and founding trustee, Rich Whaley. Rich was diagnosed with metastatic pancreatic cancer just days before his passing on January 13, 2024, at the age of 79.
Over the course of his 45+ years in real estate, Rich was passionate about promoting and preserving quality affordable housing and related services for low and moderate-income families. He served on the Atlantic Housing Foundation (AHF) Board for nearly 25 years. The Sharon Whaley Scholarship for Educators that AHF awards each year is named after Rich’s late wife, Sharon, a special education teacher. The two were married for 51 years.
Rich had direct involvement with many key milestones in AHF’s history. Upon sharing the news with AHF staff, CEO Michael Nguyen said, “What I appreciated most was his staunch commitment to our mission. He was always willing to lend a helping hand, whether it was an offer to make introductions or sharing his past experiences in developing commercial real estate and affordable housing. I could always count on Rich to volunteer, frequently asking ‘How can I support you and the Foundation?’ He was immensely proud of the work that we are doing, especially our scholarship program and the positive impact we are making in the lives of the people we serve.”
Rich is survived by his children, Scott, Molly, and Kathryn Ann, grandchildren, and numerous other family members and friends. The family is hosting a Celebration of Life service on March 2, 2024 in Columbus, Ohio. AHF continues to hold Rich’s family in our thoughts and prayers.
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About Atlantic Housing Foundation
The mission of Atlantic Housing Foundation, Inc. is to promote and preserve quality affordable housing and related services for low and moderate-income families, helping residents improve their lives. We will do this in a manner that fosters the continuous improvement of our people and our company. We strive to be a top-performing, thoroughly professional, and genuinely caring organization in all that we do.
Contact: communications@atlantichousing.org
