Obituary: Peter B. Whalen, 60

NEW YORK – Word has been received here of the death last month of Peter B. Whalen, founder of the Andean Co. of Woburn, Mass.

Whalen succumbed to a heart attack at the age of 60 and was buried in Newton, Mass.

He fell in love with the culture, people and craftsmanship of Peru early in his career, and he spent the better part of his professional life traveling to the Peruvian Andes and importing hand-knit alpaca sweaters. This not only opened up a new market for the fiber but also provided sorely needed hard currency to the Andean natives.

All told, he visited Peru nearly 100 times.

Associates remembered him as someone whose passion for South American sweaters was only surpassed by his love for people and his willingness to go out of his way, whether the needs were personal or professional. On Dec. 21, just days before his untimely death, he learned that one of his retail accounts was sold out of sweaters and drove hours to personally deliver fresh inventory.

He is survived by his son Patrick and his daughter Jennifer. The company has asked that donations in his name be made to the individual’s favorite charity.