Thomas L. Phelan

Mr. Thomas L. Phelan (“Tom”), age 78, of Marblehead, died peacefully on Saturday morning in the Kaplan Family Hospice House surrounded by his loving family after a lengthy illness. He was the beloved husband of Rosanne K. (Doran) Phelan, with whom he shared 47 years of marriage.

Raised in Marblehead, Tom was the son of the late Charles W. and Marguerite (Bourneuf) Phelan. He attended Marblehead Schools and was a graduate of Marblehead High School Class of 1953. He was very active in school activities, was voted Most Good Natured and was a committed player on the High School Football Team. He later attended the University of New Hampshire and Suffolk University.

Prior to his retirement, he worked as a teacher and substance abuse counselor. He was always available to those in need regardless of the day or hour. Over the course of his life he was a cook and launch driver at the Boston Yacht Club.

A member of the Eastern Yacht Club, Tom was an avid yachtsman who loved cruising the New England coast on his boat TOMCAT as well as lobstering and fishing in Marblehead. Tom was always known for his pleasant demeanor and witty comments which will always be remembered by family and friends. He was a model father, a lifelong dog owner and a friend of Bill W. for 44 years.

In addition to his wife, he leaves his two daughters, Maura K. Phelan Murnane and her husband Tim Murnane of Marblehead and Meredith Hays and her husband Reed Hays of New York City. He was the brother of Richard L. and his wife Takami of Marblehead and the brother-in-law to Marguerite Phelan of Peabody and Lyn Doran of Marblehead. He is survived by three grandsons, Conor, Owen and Henry and many beloved nieces and nephews. Tom was predeceased by his brother, Edmund L. Phelan.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Our Lady Star of the Sea Church, 85 Atlantic Ave. MARBLEHEAD on Wednesday at 10:00AM. Relatives and friends respectfully invited. Burial will be private. Visiting Hours at the Eustis-Cornell Funeral Home, 142 Elm St. MARBLEHEAD on Tuesday from 4-7PM. In lieu of flowers, gifts in his memory may be sent to the Bill Wilson House, 378 Village St., East Dorset, VT 05253.