Obituary of Timothy Matthew Phelan

Tim Phelan could light up a room with an effervescent charm and observational humor. He could make perfect strangers feel understood, treasured and appreciated. Much of this is in spite of -or perhaps because of - a life that was marked by struggle and perseverance. Even during the medical gauntlet he faced daily for the past few years, Tim maintained his lust for life. This is thanks in large part to the community of folks he built around him. He was particularly grateful for the support and caring he received from his companion, Hope, who provided unconditional comfort during some pretty uncomfortable times.

As many of you know, Tim was a passionate, hardworking man who poured the depths of his experience into his singing, songwriting, and professional work as an upholsterer. He leaves behind a diverse catalog of songs that reflect the beauty and tragedy -fortune and misfortune- that punctuated his life. Like many songwriters, he penned lyrics about love and loss, but because he was still crafting songs into the last decade of life, he also wrote about his evolving roles as husband, brother, father, widow, and -perhaps his proudest- grandfather.

Tim was born in May of 1949 in Manhattan and raised in Brooklyn and Wantagh in a house brimming with siblings: Thomas, Terry, Colleen, Debbie, Casey, Patrick, Maryann, and Marty who remained cherished confidantes throughout adulthood. Though he was passionate about his music, his North Star was his responsibility towards his family, to be a provider. As a result, he immersed himself into his work, becoming a master craftsman in his field. The furniture he fashioned with his calloused hands was always impeccable, intricate and his reputation was unparalleled.

He was also a ‘car guy,’ a passion he shared with his son, Timothy. His ’56 Bel Air and ragtop T-Bird were a source of pride, but also remain as symbols of his connections to the past and the future, his legacy.

Tim is predeceased by his son, Thomas, and his wife, Rosalie, with whom he also raised Timothy and Theresa, his surviving children.  He relished his role as father-in- law to Nancy and Dan and his heart swelled as a grandfather to Tyler, Amanda, Josephine, and Helena, who will dearly miss him. His jubilant sense of humor and his generosity will live on in his extended family, particularly in the nieces and nephews that he loved so much.

Timothy Matthew Phelan of Huntington passed his final hours on July 27th in the company of family and friends who kept vigil  and ushered him towards the open arms of Rosalie, Thomas, and all of those waiting to embrace him above.