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BORN
1939
DIED
2023
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William Phelan Obituary
SPEIGLETOWN - William "Bill" Phelan Jr., 84 years old of Speigletown (Troy), passed away on June 2, 2023, in the Adirondacks with his family after struggling with his health for the past two years.
Bill was born on January 19, 1939, to Dr. William and Margaret Phelan of Troy. Bill was the oldest of six boys. Bill spent his life working in sales, starting in the liquor business and then into car sales, retiring from Jack Byrne in 2004. Bill also served three years in the U.S. Army in Okinawa, Japan from 1957-1960.
Bill was an avid horse lover, owner, breeder and racing fan. He was also an avid fisherman and loved being outdoors on the water, out in the yard or taking long rides with his wife. He looked forward to his "5 p.m. happy hour Bourbon Manhattans" daily. Bill loved people and made friends with everyone he encountered.
Bill is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Mildred Phelan (Pawlowski); his three devoted daughters, Christine (John) Galuski of Cohoes, Kathleen (Richard) DeStasio of Long Island and Sheila Phelan of Glenville; his seven grandchildren, Lauren Galuski, Courtney (John) Schueler, Michael Galuski, Brandon DeStasio, Hailey DeStasio, Grace DeStasio and Danielle DeMarco; and his two great-grandchildren, Camden and Brooks Schueler. He is also survived by two of his brothers, Thomas Phelan of Cape May, N.J. and Arthur Phelan of Latham; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and neighbors. Bill was predeceased by his parents, Margaret (Whelan) Phelan and Dr. William Phelan; three of his brothers, Joseph Phelan of Florida, Paul Phelan of Texas and Michael Phelan of Arizona, and many cousins and lifelong friends.
Family and friends are invited to a brief visitation on Monday, June 12, at 10 a.m. at the Frank P. McDonald & Son Funeral Home, 870 2nd Avenue, Lansingburgh, followed by burial in his final resting place in the Saratoga National Cemetery at 12:30 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made online to Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation (in memory of William J. Phelan Jr.) through https://www.trfinc.org/william-j-phelan-jr.
For online condolences, please visit www.mcdonaldandsonfuneralhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Phelan
5 Entries
Ann Phelan
July 26, 2023
Millie and daughters. We are so sorry to learn about Bill. We just found out today.
Love,
Howard and Ann
Mr and Mrs Edward Schueler
June 11, 2023
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Phyllis Welcome Pfitz
June 9, 2023
Millie I´m so sorry for your loss, I went to St.Augustine´s School with Bill and my late husband grew up with him in the burg. The last time I had the pleasure of seeing you two was at Brunswick Wal Mart. May he now Rest In Peace. God Bless & watch over you at this difficult time
Dick castle
June 9, 2023
So sorry to hear this.worked with Bill for years at Service.such a gentleman and he will be missed by many.Rest in peace my friend.our Condolences to the family . Dick and Maryann Castle
Timothy J. Fogarty
June 9, 2023
My heartfelt condolences to Bill's family on his passing. I always made a point to look him up when at Byrne's for service, as well as to say "hi" when on a neighborhood walk. Bill was one of the older "Burgh Boys" I had the privilege of knowing growing up in the 123rd Street neighborhood. He was a fine man.
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McDonald and Son Funeral Home - Troy (Lansingburgh)870 2nd Ave, Troy, NY 12182
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