Gerard A. Phelan, age 71, formerly of Green Bay, passed away surrounded by the love of his family on Wednesday, June 21, 2017, in Melbourne, Florida. He was a loving and generous husband, father, grandpa, brother and friend. Jerry was born on December 28, 1945, in Jersey City, NJ, to the late Robert and Rose (Dougherty) Phelan. He was raised in Tenafly, NJ, and attended Seton Hall University. Jerry proudly served his country in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Alaska.
On September 21, 1974, he married the love of his life, Norene Hillman. Together they moved to Woodcliff Lake, NJ and raised their three daughters. Jerry worked for Good Humor- Breyers (Unilever), which led the family to move to Green Bay, where Jerry became a big Packers fan. After 35 years with the company, Jerry retired as Vice President of Operations. He dedicated much of his spare time to the Packers Alumni Association and the Boys and Girls Club of Green Bay. Jerry loved the game of golf and eventually moved to Melbourne Beach, FL, where he could play year round, including the 12th hole out of his back yard.
He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Norene; his devoted daughters, Colleen (Corey Patterson), Tracy (Dave Orth), and Jacqueline Phelan; his beautiful grandson, Benjamin Orth; siblings, Robert (Lynn) Phelan, Brian (Candace) Phelan, Maureen (Frank) Previti, and John (Linda) Phelan; and several loving nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents; parents-in -law, George and Irene Hillman; Godparents Aunt Betty Dougherty and Uncle Bishop John Dougherty, special Aunt Katherine Dougherty and Uncle Bill Dougherty.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Multiple Sclerosis Society of America in Jerry's name.
Per Jerry's wishes private services were held.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to the Nurses and Doctors on the 7th floor of Holmes Regional Medical Center and the staff at William Child's Hospice House for all the care they gave towards Jerry.