Michael “Mike” Dennis Phelan passed away December 6, 2019 in Scottsdale, Arizona. He was 72 years of age.
Mike was a native of Troy, New York and the son of Dr. William and Mrs. Margaret Phelan. The youngest of 6 boys, Mike attended LaSalle Institute and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science from Cornell University where he was a member of the Delta Tau Delta Fraternity. Following Cornell, Mike enlisted in the Navy, serving from 1968 until 1970. Mike was stationed in Sunnyvale, California and Pensacola, Florida achieving the rank of Ensign and completing both Officer and Flight Training. Mike spent his career as a Marketing Manager at Texaco Oil for over thirty years.
Mike was a devoted husband of 48 years to Mrs. Sally Piper Phelan, and a loving father to their four children. The family moved to Arizona in 1987 and Mike immediately fell in love with the mild winters, desert sunsets, palm trees and backyard pool. Mike loved to play ice hockey, ski, golf and swim. He loved cars, music, movies, roller coasters, road trips and beach vacations. Mike was an avid football fan, no matter the team, and took special pride in attending his children’s sports activities. Mike will be remembered for his wicked sense of humor, his ever-present moustache and his adoration of family.
Mike is survived by his wife, Sally Piper Phelan, his children, Kyle Rhodes, Michael Colin Phelan, Katherine Slater and Matthew Phelan, as well as his four grandchildren.
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, January 4, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. at Blessed Sacrament Roman Catholic Church, 11300 N. 64th Street, Scottsdale. A Graveside Service with Military Honors will be held on Monday, January 6, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 23029 N. Cave Creek Rd., Phoenix. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Muhammad Ali Parkinson and Movement Disorders Center, 240 W. Thomas Rd., Suite 301, Phoenix, AZ 85013. Condolences may be expressed at www.whitneymurphyfuneralhome.com
Trent Jones
Mr. Phelan was a great man who always made me laugh. It made me smile to read “no matter the team” in this obituary because we shared that passion for football and he would always talk to me about my Dallas Cowboys. He was basically a 2nd father to me since I was at the house so much to hang out with Matt, and I will always appreciate everything he did for us. Sending my love to Mrs. Phelan and the entire family.
Denise Fulton
So sorry fo ryour loss. Sending love and prayers to you all.
Elaine
Sending love and prayers your way! Thinking of your family at this time xoxox, The Kendall Family
Bill Mahoney
Mike and I grew up together in Troy. Our fathers were good friends. May God have mercy on him.