Israel Sky (Izzy) Whalen, 23, of Orwigsburg, formerly of Hazleton, has passed away.

Israel was born in Hazleton, on July 12, 1994, a son of Gina Celeste (Kucinski) Whalen, wife of Travis Williams, of Orwigsburg, PA and Joseph Daniel Whalen, Jr., of Mountain Top, PA.

Israel graduated from Hazleton Area High School in 2012. He attended Pensacola Christian College in Florida for two years as well as Penn State Schuylkill. He was an avid reader, an aspiring artist, and a very talented musician. Music was his passion. He was proficient at playing a number of different instruments and performed with several bands. Most of all he loved to write and record his own original music.

In Addition to his parents, Israel is survived by his

Brother, Zackary Whalen, of Florida.

Maternal Grandmother Celeste (Carbe) Kucinski, Hazleton.

Paternal Grandmother Carol Whalen, Barnesville.

Aunts Celeste Kucinski, Jill Whalen. Uncles Marlon Kucinski and Leonard Kucinski, husband of Bobbie. Cousin Leo Kucinski.

He was preceded by Grandfathers Leonard Kucinski and Joseph Daniel Whalen, Sr.

A Memorial Service will be held on Sunday December 10th, at 3:00 PM at Kimmels Church in Orwigsburg, with Rev. Preston Broadhurst officiating. Friends are welcome to the church from 2:00 PM until time of service to visit with the family.

Israel was an avid reader and a lover of books - he owned hundreds. He loved giving and getting books from every Little Free Library he saw. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a fund that will be used to build Little Free Libraries in Israel's honor. Checks can be made to Gina Whalen and mailed Kimmels Church 179 Pine Creek Drive Orwigsburg, PA 17961.

Hamilton-Breiner Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., Orwigsburg has been entrusted with arrangements.