Birth date: Feb 24, 1944 Death date: Dec 21, 2014
Captain Joseph Francis Phelan, USN, Retired, age 70, passed away peacefully on December 21, 2014 in St. Augustine, Florida, surrounded by his family, after a valiant fight with cancer. Joe will be remembered for his deep faith in Read Obituary
MY very late condolences to Trish and family, having only just seen this obituary.
Rob Simmons (Deputy Captain) and I, from HMS Malabar, Bermuda, spent lots of social events with Joe and Trish at the NAS and at Malabar. He was always a kind and respected gentleman, so I remember him with respect and affection.
Brenda Pratt
I served with then Captain (Select) Joe Phelan when he was the Chief of Staff at Commander Patrol Wing Eleven (CPW-11). I was there from March 1984 to March 1986. I owe Captain Joe Phelan my career! The Wing had a Commander serving as the Operations Officer who had not had Command. (Then) Commodore Byron "Jake" Tobin had Captain Phelan switch his position as Chief of Staff with the Operations Officer because Captain Phelan had been a Squadron CO. I was getting ready to PCS from CPW-11 when a (not so deserving of the title) AW 'Chief' by the name of Skip Bailey tried to burn me and keep me from going to Basic Underwater Demolition/SEALs (BUD/S) by framing me by having a classified burn bag placed outside over a rainy Martin Luther King weekend. When I went before the (uninformed) Acting Chief of Staff, they were going to just railroad straight to the Commodore and ruin my career. Suddenly there was a knock on the door behind me and Captain Phelan walked in. He brought up how it rained all weekend at his house and how it must not have rained a drop where that burn bag was because nothing was wet or wrinkled from being wet. He expressed that he would get to the bottom of what was really going on there. He told the Acting Chief of Staff that his recommendation would be to throw that case right out the door because he knew my character and my attention to detail. The case was dropped and I PCS'd less than a week later. I, myself, retired Honorably after 23 total years, thanks to Captain Joe Phelan. I am so very, VERY sorry for this great loss to his family and other friends! He truly was one of the most stand-up, honorable Men I have ever met! RIP, Captain Phelan. Thank you for having my back!
TACO Joe, Crew 5 VP-48 was and remains etched in my memory forever. A belated condolences for your loss.
Regards.... Phil Zimmerman
I served under Captain Phelan in VP45 in 1983 - 1984. I think I did get to fly with him on some missions. I was an Anti-Submarine Warfare Operator and my time in VP-45 were and still are the best time in my life. Mr. Phelan had a great impact on many lives he touched. He helped me become a better man. My prayers and thoughts go out to the Phelan family.
Respectfully
Mark Hampson
I just heard about the passing of Captain Joe Phelan, He was my Commanding Officer while stationed at Naval Air Station, Bermuda. A finer man just did not exist. He was loved, admired and deeply respected by all who had the honor of serving under his Command.
Fair Winds and Following Seas Skipper. You are missed and deserving of the best through out eternity.
Sincerely,
William H Carney, LCDR, LDO, EOD, SEAL
Dear Trish,
Chip and I were really sadened to hear news of Joe's passing. We have fond memories from Barbados years and remember both of you for your generosity and kindnesses. He will be greatly missed by many who knew him.
With Love,
Shirl and Chip Hering
Mrs. Phelan: Your husband helped our son obtain an Appointment to USNA Class 2016. We never personally met but Capt. Phelan wrote a strong recommendation letter for our son Dave and we remained in touch afterwards via mail. As a Believer in Jesus The Christ, he's now forevermore in Heaven and happy. Our thanks to Joe, again. Respectfully yours, David I. & Claudia Von Savage & Family
Dear Trish & Family:
I was saddened to hear of Joe's passing. Mike & Sally called to let me know. I was almost a resident of the Phelan house when Mike & I were kids, and had many fond memories of Joe in our youth and when he went off to Annapolis.
My sincere condolences
Denny Broughel
To a man of noble stature and a gentle heart, I offer my gratitude and condolences to honor a life lived with honor to his country, loyalty to his friends and most importantly dedication to his family.
Godspeed, The Fielder's
Susie,
You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. May you know the love and strength of God through this difficult time.
Warmest regards,
Steve and Kathy Rawlins
