Wayne H. Phelan

It is with great sadness that the family of Wayne Hyatt Phelan announces his passing on Thursday, February 14, 2019 at the age of 79. Wayne is survived by his wife of 55 years, Karen (Ettinger) Phelan, his four sons and their wives, Ken (Carol Roeser) of Warwick, NY, David (Donna Kirkup) of Hyde Park, NY, Douglas (Eileen Tiernan) of New City, NY, and Michael (Julie Caracciolo) of Pearl River, NY, and eight grandchildren, Joyce, Elizabeth, Abigail, Alexandra, Charles, Olivia, Kelly and Michael who were his pride and joy.

Wayne was born and raised in Ridgefield, CT. and was proud to be able to trace his ancestry in that town back to 1690. He signed up for military service at age 19 and proudly served in the 101st Airborne, Screaming Eagles. He spent a good deal of his time stationed in Germany at check point Charlie, standing nose to nose with the Russians at the height of the cold war.

Coming back home, Wayne married his dear friend, Charles Ettinger’s, younger sister, Karen, went to work as a tool and die maker and started a family. Always a hard worker and often working two jobs, he built a wonderful life for his family. As the children grew, he became involved in various volunteer activities. Wayne was the Cub Master of pack 91 in Congers and a lifetime member of the Congers/Valley Cottage Ambulance Corp. In retirement, he worked as a volunteer at the Grace Church Thrift Store in Nyack. In his spare time, Wayne loved to sing, and performed Barbershop. He also loved wood working, and has left behind many beautifully handcrafted items for his children and grandchildren to remember him by.

A memorial service will be held at 2pm, Sunday, February 24, 2019 at Grace Episcopal Church, 130 First Avenue, Nyack, NY. Reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that contributions be made to one of the following charities – Grace Thrift Store 10 South Broadway, Nyack, NY. People to People www.peopletopeopleinc.org. ARC of Rockland www.arcofrockland.org.