John passed away peacefully on September 03, 2025, in Saratoga, California, with his family by his side. He was born on June 13, 1941, in Nevada City to John "Jack" Phelan and Ardith (McQuin) Phelan, and grew up in the close-knit community of North San Juan before moving to the family cattle ranch at the end of Beyer's Lane and finally settling on Ridge Road in Grass Valley.

He graduated from Nevada Union High School in 1959, where he formed lifelong friendships and treasured memories playing football and boxing. After two years at Sierra College, he went on to graduate from UC Berkeley with a degree in engineering. While at Sierra College he met the love of his life, Irene St. Jacques, who would become his wife and constant companion.

John began his engineering career in Pacific Grove with Pacific Bell, working in telecommunications. His work took him from San Francisco to New York and finally back to San Jose, where he retired for the first time in 1992. After dedicating two years to his passion for photography and researching family genealogy for both Phelan and McQuins —he returned to work. His "second career" in satellite communications, meant to last only a few years, stretched into a decade and took him around the world to places such as Russia, Korea, France, and Germany.

Beyond his professional achievements, John will be remembered most for the joy and love he brought to those around him. He delighted in telling Irish jokes, traveling across the United States with Irene in their beloved "Bambi" trailer, and planning gatherings that made everyone feel welcome—from 4th of July horseshoe tournaments and Super Bowl parties to milestone anniversaries and birthday celebrations. He found joy in woodworking and pride in creating spaces where laughter and love could flourish.

John is survived by his devoted wife, Irene; his sister, Anna (Phelan); his sons Richard (daughter-in-law, Cathy), and Jeff (daughter-in-law, Diane); and his cherished granddaughters, Meaghan and Kelley. He leaves behind a legacy of kindness, humor, and family traditions that will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.