Red Bank - John Barry Phelan left us on 9/17/21, with his three children at his side. He was born in Newark, NJ, and resided in Fair Haven, NJ, since 1978. Barry graduated from Newark Academy in 1958 and Upsala College in 1966.
Barry and the love of his life, Lynn, were married for 60 years and raised their 3 children in New Jersey and Ohio before settling in Fair Haven. He had a long successful career at AT&T, where he hired and mentored countless employees. After he retired, he became business manager at Church of Nativity for ten years, where he made many dear lifelong friends.
Known as Grandbear to his extended family, Barry was a wonderful husband and father, loyal friend, devout Catholic, and devoted Giants’ fan. A passionate golfer and fantastic dancer, he was proud to tell you he once got a hole-in-one and danced the spotlight dance on the TV show, American Bandstand, in 1958.
Barry was predeceased by his beloved wife, Lynn, and his parents, Nora and Jack, and sister, Jane. He is survived by his daughter Suzanne Caruso and her husband Joe; his son J. Greg Phelan and his wife Kristina and his daughter Patti Scanlon and her husband Steve. He is also survived by his adored grandchildren Jamie, Jenny, Jake, Madison, John, Andrew, and Lynelle and great-grandchildren Mason and Charlotte.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, September 24th at 10 am at the Church of the Nativity, 180 Ridge Road, Fair Haven NJ 07704. In lieu of flowers, please send your donations to Stephy’s Place, 210 West Front Street, Unit 209, Red Bank, NJ 07701. Thompson Memorial Home, Red Bank, has been entrusted with the arrangements.
