Paul H Phelan

Paul H Phelan, 95 Westbrook – Paul H. Phelan passed away at his home on Sunday, Feb. 21, 2016. He grew up in Calais, ME, one of six children of Leo and Clara Phelan. He earned degrees in music and journalism from the University of Maine in Orono. His long teaching career started in the Washington County towns of Princeton, Columbia Falls and Woodland. He also taught in Yarmouth and Biddeford. Bands under his direction were chosen to represent Maine in Washington DC several times. In 1975 he was named “Music teacher of the Year.” Paul coached the Calais Chiefs basketball club and played for the Calais Orphans. His baseball teams at Princeton and Columbia Falls won numerous league championships. In 1990 and again in 2000 he was honored by Woodland’s “Paul Phelan Day.” The recipient of many accolades, in 2000 he received the Bishop Proulx Award for public and church service within the Portland Diocese. In 2008 he was also chosen “volunteer of the year” by the Maine Association of Retirees for his years of service as an entertainer at vets homes and rehabilitation centers. Paul has written over 400 musical works and twenty-eight dictionaries of humor and satire. Paul was a WWII veteran serving in Italy, Last fall he participated in the Honor Flight Maine to Washington DC and was chosen to place a wreath at the tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Throughout his life he always lived his faith. Paul was widely known for his kindness, generosity and thoughtfulness and shared is humor, laughter and puns. He was predeceased by his wife Mary Frances and daughter Linda Elizabeth Landry; brothers Harold, Burton and Edward. He is survived by sisters Jean Cavanagh of Manchester, NH and Lois Downing of Houlton and many nieces and nephews; daughter Theresa Walch and husband Dennis of Westbrook; grandchildren Jennifer Bouvier and husband Joseph of Swampscott, MA, Brian Walch and his wife Jeanine of Middletown, NJ, Elizabeth Walch of Brunswick, and Rachel Schaible and husband Rob of Ft. Lauderdale, FL; great-grandchildren Leah, Michaela, Allison, Jenna and Miles. Visiting hours will be from 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM Friday, February 26, 2016 at Blais & Hay Funeral Home, 35 Church Street, Westbrook. A short service will follow. Online condolences can be expressed at blaisandhayfuneralhome.com

Paul H Phelan

February 13, 1921 - February 21, 2016

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