In loving memory of Walter Phelan - Obituary Baldwin Brothers

Obituary

Walter (Walt) Frederick Phelan Jr., 68, of Winter Springs FL left this world on August 10, 2019, surrounded by loved ones, after a lengthy battle with cancer.

Walt was born in Boston, MA, on October 13, 1950, the eldest son of the late Walter Frederick Phelan Sr. and the late Audrey (Lant) Phelan.

He graduated from Hyde Park High School in Hyde Park, MA, Class of 1968, subsequently completing IBEW Local’s 103 JATC (Joint Apprentice Training Center) course and becoming a Journeyman Electrician.

In 1978, he moved his family to North Lauderdale, FL where he continued building a very successful career as an electrician. Loving the warm climate, he promised himself he would never again shovel snow. He kept his promise but also forever kept a piece of Boston in his heart, faithfully following his beloved Red Sox.

In 1982 Walt and his family moved to Sonoma, CA where he continued his hard work and steadily moved up through the ranks in his chosen career. While in California, he became an avid San Francisco Forty-Niners fan.

Walt returned to Florida in 1988 and settled in Deland where he continued to raise his daughters. All six of his girls were, without a doubt, his proudest accomplishments and he would constantly talk about them to anyone who would listen. His short list of favorite sports teams grew to include UCF and LSU due to his daughters’ alumni status.

As described by his friends, Walt was “quick-witted, a lover and a fighter, highly intelligent, shamelessly principled and wise” and had a “seldom public, but very real, sweet side.” He was famous for his BIG stories and the “Waltercations” in which he loved to engage with friends and family on subjects like politics, religion or sports. His company and friendship will be incredibly missed.

Walt leaves his daughters, Jennifer Picarello and husband Anthony of Derry, NH; Erin Gelinas and husband Michael of North Andover, MA; Shawna Bryant and boyfriend Shawn Lewis of DeLand, FL; Meghan Goicouria and husband Ralph of Miami, FL; Melissa Owens and husband Brannon of Daytona Beach, FL; Kelly Potter and husband Simon of Los Angeles, CA; twelve grandchildren, Anthony and Noel Picarello; Matt, Zack, Kyle and Cole Gelinas; Gaige, Gavin and Starling Bryant; Harley and Everley Goicouria; Cora Owens; his ex-wife, Mary Ellis and her husband Jeff of Daytona Beach, FL.

Walt also leaves two brothers, James Phelan and wife Irene of Milford, NH; and Ken Phelan and wife Marietta of Garfield Heights, OH, and several nieces and nephews.

Services will be held Saturday, August 24th at 9:00 am Baldwin Brothers Funeral Home 620 Dunlawton Ave Port Orange, FL 32127. Burial immediately following the service. Celebration of Life to follow at Fletcher’s Irish Pub 393 W Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach FL 32174. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Catholic Charities of Central Florida.