Obituary: Francis Phelan

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Francis Phelan

NAUGATUCK — Francis “Mudder” Phelan, 78, of Naugatuck, died unexpectedly June 2, 2020, at his home. He was the husband of Joanne (Przybyloski) Phelan.

Mudder was born in Waterbury on Dec. 5, 1941, son of the late Francis and Alice (Carmody) Phelan. He was a graduate of Sacred Heart High School and a veteran of the United States Army. Together with his wife, he owned and operated Town and Country Florist in Waterbury. He was a member of the Washington Hill Athletic Club, Cristoforo Columbo Club, the Waterbury Ancient Order of Hibernians, the Lakewood and Hill Street Social Clubs and Hop Brook and Farmingbury Hills golf clubs. He also enjoyed spending time with his friends at “The Pit.”

Mudder was a loving husband, father and grandfather. As a father, he was actively involved in his sons’ many athletic endeavors as a coach and fan. He coached Peter J. Foley Little League baseball, Little Pal Basketball and Washington Hill In the Twi-Met League. Later in life you could always find him supporting his grandchildren at the baseball field, basketball court, soccer field and dance recitals. His love for his grandchildren was unmatched. They were his greatest joy. Pictures of them would always be found hanging on his car visor, where he could see them at all times. In addition, Mudder also found joy in playing cards and golfing. We (the family) want to extend a thank you to the many friends who loved Mudder and helped create many wonderful memories for him. He spoke of his friends often and always had a grin on his face when sharing stories of his times with them.

In addition to his wife of nearly 55 years, Mudder leaves three sons, Mark Phelan and his wife, Danielle, of Farmington; Fran Phelan and Heather Candee of Naugatuck; and Michael Phelan and his wife, Laura, of Waterbury; and his grandchildren, Patrick, Francis, Kaylee, Cole and Brynne Phelan.

At this time, all services will be private and at the family’s convenience. A memorial Mass will be announced at a later date at The Basilica of the Immaculate Conception. Arrangements have been entrusted to Naugatuck Valley Memorial Fitzgerald Zembruski Funeral Home, 240 North Main St., Naugatuck.

Contributions: Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, 74 West Main St., Waterbury, CT 06702.

To send an online condolence, visit www.naugatuckvalleymemorial.com.