Obituary of Brian Joseph Phelan

Brian J. Phelan passed away on December 19, 2020 at Morristown Medical Center.  He was 78 years old. Born in Passaic, NJ, to parents Patrick and Helen (Risko) Phelan, Brian grew up in Passaic and eventually settled in Brookside with his wife in 1968. Brian is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Lynne, and his beloved daughter Melissa.

In the summer months, Brian looked forward to spending time with friends and family on Drakes Island in Wells, Maine.  Brian was also an avid football fan rooting for his beloved Jets every Sunday.  Brian will be dearly missed by many.  He was a tough, but gentle man who cared about all those around him.  He was a great father, loving husband and loyal friend. 
 

Brian held a BSEE from Newark College of Engineering (NJIT) and a MBWA from his years within the Electrical Industry.  He began his career at ASCO Power Technologies in 1968 before he retired after 42 years of service.  In his tenure with ASCO, he had served as Industrial Control Product Manager and Director of Customer Engineering and when he retired, he was the Director of Marketing. 

Brian was very involved and cared very deeply about his community.  He spent his life serving his town.  He was not only on the Township committee but was also a life member of the Brookside Fire Department. 

Brian was inducted into the NJ Elected Officials Hall of Fame (Former Mayor Emeritus) for having served 20 years as an elected official in the Township of Mendham, County of Morris.   While on the council, Brian served as Mayor, Police Commissioner, Chairman of the Department of Public Works. He sat on the Finance Committee, Recreation Committee, Historical Preservation and Board of Education.  Brian received several Resolutions from the Township for "unselfishly devoting his time, efforts and skills to protect the residents of Mendham Township" and "providing an exemplary example of leadership and commitment to the community".

As a life member of the Brookside Fire Department, he held many executive positions and served as Fire Chief on three separate occasions in 1981, 1982 and 1996.  At the time of his death he received a plaque for 50 years of service.   He was a member of the NJ State Fire Chief's Association and life member of the NJ State Fireman's Relief Association.  

Brian didn't just hold executive positions within the fire service; he was also a mentor to many young firemen over the years and friends to many others.  He maintained personal relationships with all of them and thought of them as his "brothers".

Brian was laid to rest on Tuesday, December 22, 2020 at Hilltop Cemetery, 18 Hilltop Rd, Mendham NJ.  His family hopes to have a celebration of life at a future date after the pandemic.  In the meantime, raise a glass to honor and celebrate Brian and his life!