Obituary of David W. Phelan

SPRINGFIELD, VA. - David William Phelan, 86, of Springfield, Virginia, formerly of the Capital Region, Upstate, New York, made his journey home to the Lord on Saturday, November 26, 2022, surrounded by his family after a short illness. A beloved husband and father, and active servant of the church and community, David is survived by his devoted wife, Jeanette, and sons, Mark, Kevin, and Greg. He was predeceased by his daughter, Michelle. He is also survived by his brother, Peter Phelan along with many nieces and nephews. He was also predeceased by his brothers, Robert Phelan, and Richard Phelan; and his sisters, Anne (John) Ryan, Ruth Phelan, Joan (Davis) Tarr, and Rosemary Phelan. David was born in Albany on January 18, 1936, the second youngest of seven children of Dr. John and Ruth Phelan. He attended local schools including the Vincentian Institute and Siena College before serving in the U.S. Marine Corps. and then graduating from Villanova University in Philadelphia. He was married in 1967 and settled in Rotterdam, where he raised four children and lived until 2019 when he and his wife moved to Northern Virginia to be near their children. David was a professional journeyman before his career as a child and adult protection case officer with Schenectady County Social Services, where he worked for over 20 years before retiring in 2002. David lived a life in service to Christ and his church. He was a man of deep faith, attended Mass daily, and served as a eucharistic minister, altar server, catechism teacher, and parish council member at St. Gabriel and St. Anthony churches. He was a member of the Our Lady of Mercy Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites in Schenectady for 34 years and had also previously served as president of the organization, tirelessly serving the needs of the Carmelite community. At his core, David was a devoted husband of 55 years and a cherished father to his four children. He was an avid sports fan, a notable local Little League coach, and well-known for his encyclopedic knowledge of historical and theological facts and the life lessons they held. Above all, he was known for his wonderful sense of humor, wit and playfulness, and never-ending ability to amuse family, friends, and strangers alike. He always left a room a little brighter than when he entered. How sweet it is. Mr. Phelan was laid to rest near his daughter in a private ceremony, where prayers were offered by Rev. O. Robert DeMartinis, and the United States Marine Corps. conducted military honors. The family suggests that memorial gifts be sent to the Carmelite Monastery of Rochester, 1931 West Jefferson Rd, Pittsford, NY, 14534 in David's memory. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared with the Phelan Family, online at: TheRiverviewFuneralHome.com Local Funeral Arrangements were Entrusted to: The Riverview Funeral Home, Inc. 218 2nd Avenue, Troy, NY 12180 (518) 235-5610 Graveside Ceremony 10:30 am - 11:00 am Tuesday, June 20, 2023 St. Basil's Ukrainian Church Cemetery Union Mills Road Opposite of the Union Mills Cemetery BROADALBIN, New York, United States 12025