Obituary of Frankie Phelan
On March 11th 2022, Heaven welcomed another great drummer, Frankie. The loving husband of Betty; father of Jackie Phelan & David Burnett, Patrick & Tracy Phelan, Liane & Brent Adams, Kerrie & Peter Graham. Grandfather to Joseph & Kala, Kristy & Jason and Ali & Johnny Waldron. Great-grandfather of Grayson and Carter Phelan. Brother of Bud Phelan and uncle to many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his parents Joseph and Alma Phelan; sisters Ruth Burrows, Anita Caskenette, and brothers Matthew and Hub Phelan.
Next to family, music was his other love. Coming from a musical family, he chose to play the drums. He played in many bands across Niagara including the Collegiate High School band, Niagara Symphony, shows at Prudhomme’s featuring Mickey Rooney, Liza Minnelli and many others; the Solidaires, Lincoln and Welland Regimental Band, Fred Willett Concert Band at Queenston Heights, Garden City Productions and his bands: the Playboys and the Frankie Phelan Five.
He was a Secondary School music teacher at Delhi and the Head of Music at Valley Heights in Langton, Ontario. He always managed to bring fresh asparagus on his way home, resulting in him being called “the Asparagus Man” for Niagara.
His wit and personality always shone through his big, bright smile and twinkling eyes. Frankie always had a joke ready and delighted in bringing joy to children, either, by being Santa Claus or showing them a magic trick.
His life was full of love, laughter, music and family.
We would sincerely like to thank the staff of Linhaven, who became members of our extended family, for their loving care and compassion you brought to his final years.
The family invite guests for visitation on Friday, March 18th 2022 from 1:00pm-3:00pm with a funeral to follow at 3:00pm. Cremation has taken place and funeral arrangements have been entrusted with GEORGE DARTE FUNERAL HOME 585 Carlton St. If desired, please consider making donations to the Friends of Linhaven for their Live Music Programming.
For those who wish to view Frankie's service via livestream, please click on the following link: https://youtu.be/qQOUDrnQwW4