THOMAS PHELAN

Rev. Thomas Joseph Phelan Born June 20, 1926 in San Francisco, CA, passed away at the age of 85 at Mt. St. Vincent in Seattle, WA on June 12, 2012. He moved from San Francisco, CA into the Western WA area 68 years ago, and has been a resident of Federal Way, WA since March 1, 2011. He was educated at St. Thomas Seminary in 1944 and North American College in Rome, and then was ordained in Seattle, WA in 1953. Fr. Thomas worked at the Archdiocese of Seattle and retired in 1991. He was a Pastor of St. Thomas Aquinas in Camas, Christ the King in Seattle, St. Ann's in Tacoma, and Our Lady of Lourdes in Seattle. In retirement, he helped pastors from Bellingham to Vancouver. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and served as Chaplain for Serra Club of Tacoma before moving to Vancouver in 1999. Favorite pastimes of his were reading, bridge, especially enjoyed dinner with friends, travelling, tennis in his earliest years, and giving classes. He was preceded in death by his parents Basil and Norma Phelan. He is survived by his brother Harry Phelan, nephew Tom Phelan, and niece Monica Phelan. A Rosary/Vigil Service will be recited Thursday, June 21, 2012, 7:30 pm at Gaffney Funeral Home Chapel. Funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday, June 22, 2012, 10:00 am, at St. Ann's Catholic Church in Tacoma, WA. Interment will be at Calvary Cemetery in Seattle, WA. Please leave online condolences at www.gaffneycares.com. Arrangements by Gaffney Funeral Home, 253-572-6003.