Dr. John F. Phelan

Dr. John F. Phelan, 89, beloved father, brother, grandfather and great-grandfather, was called to his eternal resting place on October 27, 2018. He entered this world on June 29, 1929 in Albuquerque, NM, born to John K. Phelan, a dentist and Helene (Earnhart) Phelan, blessed with a beautiful life.

Dr. Jack Phelan was predeceased by his parents, son J. Brady Phelan (Carol); and two sisters, Teresa Phelan and Patricia (Phelan) Laney (Robert).

He is survived by his brothers, Joseph Phelan (Suzanne), and James Phelan (Sandy). Also survived by sons, John M. Phelan (Elise), and Dr. Sean S. Phelan (Dr. Cynthia).

Called Papa Jack, he was blessed with eleven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his loving long time friend, Joyce Stevens.

The mother of his children, Eileen (Kessler) Phelan also survives him.

Dr. Phelan attended New Mexico Military Institute. He served our country in the U.S. Army as a dentist overseas before joining his father in his private practice. In his early years of dentistry, he worked side by side with his father for a time. When he started his practice, his father was already providing occasional dental care to the children of St. Anthony's Orphanage in Albuquerque. Together they donated their services for 44 years. He had a successful 50 year career in dentistry in the Albuquerque community.

Family was always a top priority for Jack and he loved them endlessly. He inspired his family, friends and everyone he met with his patience, compassion and true interest in their welfare. Dr. Jack shared his love of wood working, target shooting, beer making and various projects with his children and grandchildren.

He learned how to play the accordion at a young age. He found great enjoyment in his various interests over the years which included teaching himself how to play the banjo. He also had a great interest in collecting antiques and would study about their origins and history..

He was an avid reader which led to his life long passion of researching historical facts and writing manuscripts about the Civil War. Dr. Jack belonged to a local book club which he attended regularly.

Dr. Jack had a wonderful gifted talent as an artist and painter. Many of these paintings and sketches were found after he moved to the south valley (Albuquerque).

In 2008 after a dental career he retired and soon moved to the south valley to manage a small vineyard on his property. He sold his grapes every year to the local wineries. This activity brought him much joy; working his land and producing grapes.

He liked to travel and went on trips to Ireland, Bora Bora and Australia among others.

Dr. Jack was a gentleman and a scholar, a fun loving and intelligent man, quick at wit and inquisitive at life. His smile and laugh will be remembered and missed by all who knew him.

A Rosary will be held Thursday, November 29, 2018 , 6:00 p.m. at FRENCH-Wyoming. A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, November 30, 2018, 10:00 a.m., at St. John XXIII Catholic Community.

Donations can be made to https://www.globaldentalrelief.org/