John Barry Phelan died Sept. 17, 2021, with his three children at his side. He was born in Newark and resided in Fair Haven 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 three 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 the Nativity for 10 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, 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 at 10 a.m. Friday, Sept. 24 at the Church of the Nativity, 180 Ridge Road, Fair Haven. In lieu of flowers, please send your donations to Stephy’s Place, 210 West Front St., Unit 209, Red Bank, NJ 07701.
Thompson Memorial Home, Red Bank, has been entrusted with the arrangements.
The article originally appeared in the September 23 – 29, 2021 print edition of The Two River Times.
