Lawrence "Larry" Joseph Phelan

Lawrence Phelan enlisted as a young man in New York in 1940, he was 20 years old. In his young 5 year of service he participated in 8 difference major battles and 3 invasions during WW II. He saw action in the 1st Infantry Division from North Africa , through Sicily, the Battle of the Bulge and finally in Czechoslovakia. He rose from enlisted man to ending his career as a Captain, US Army. During this time he was injured and awarded the Purple Heart 3 times. His other awards are the Silver Star (1) and Bronze Star (2), European Theater Ribbon, Presidential Unit Citation, and the French and Belgian Croix de Guerre, and the Russian Order of Fame.

After the war he spent a lifetime in support of the veterans in numerous capacities within the VFW, DAV, American Legion, and the VA Facility at Bay Pines in St. Petersburg, FL. Within the VA Lawrence served in the following capacities:

All state commander, Post Commander (5times), Sr Vice Commander (17times), and the Post Service officer for 37 years. His volunteer works consists of 36,000 hours the VA. He volunteered 5 days per week at Bay Pines Veterans center. He was the VAVS Representative /Activities Chairman, Post #2473 Service Officer, and Sr Vice Commandant.

One of his statements he famously made is that he doesn't have much time to do anything else except helping Veterans in need.

The reason he gives is because as a young man he was given very good care by the government when he was wounded and recovering from those wounds.

In his civilian life, he spend his years working for eastern Airlines, Delta Airlines, Northwest Airlines and eventually taking on a role as a union organizer for the AFL-CIO based out of Minneapolis, but resided in Tampa Florida.

Larry also loved his cars, Mustangs and his 1964 Buick Skylark. He was an artist, a painter in his earlier years and painted several oils. He loved his Poodles, named Brandy and Bourbon.

Larry leaves behind his family, nephews, nieces, his sister and brother in law, plus many , many friends and co-workers at the VA who were very kind to home over the years and up until his last days.

Larry, we all miss you!

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Lawrence "Larry" Joseph PHELAN, age 97, of Safety Harbor, Florida passed away on Monday February 5, 2018. "Larry" was born February 6, 1920 in Yonkers, New York.

A visitation for "Larry" will be held Saturday, February 24, 2018 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Sylvan Abbey - Funeral Home, 2853 SUNSET POINT RD, CLEARWATER, FL 33759. A memorial service will occur Saturday, February 24, 2018 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM, 2853 SUNSET POINT RD, CLEARWATER, FL 33759. A committal service will occur Monday, February 26, 2018 from 12:45 PM to 1:15 PM at Bay Pines National Cemetery, 1000 Bay Pines Boulevard, Bay Pines, FL 33708. A cremation will occur.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.sylvanabbey.com for the PHELAN family.