CARIBOU – John “Jack” Ronald Phelan, 96, passed away peacefully at the Maine Veterans Home in Caribou on Sunday April 13, 2025, following a brief illness.

Jack was born on November 20, 1928, to Ronald and Anna (O’Clair) Phelan in Grand Isle. He grew up in Aroostook County and graduated from Washburn High School in 1946. He moved to Caribou in 1947, enlisted in the U.S. Army and served between 1951 to 1953 in Asmara, Eritrea.

Following his discharge, he returned to Caribou and married the love of his life Dorothy (Dot) Sewell on June 20, 1953. Shortly after, Jack began his career working at Loring Air Force base in Limestone in 1956 and retired when Loring closed in 1994. He made many lifelong friendships while working there which continued well into his retirement. In addition to working at Loring, Jack also served many years on the Loring (County) Federal Credit Union Board of Directors and Chairman of the Board from 1973 to 1984. Jack loved the outdoors and spent many days hunting, golfing and cross-country skiing. He also had a decades-long passion for square and round dancing with Dot traveling throughout Maine and New England where he again formed friendships that lasted until his passing.

Jack loved to tell a story and loved to laugh. Regardless if you were a friend of many years or a one time acquaintance, you probably heard his infectious laugh. He will be remembered as a loving husband, a Dad who always provided sage words of guidance to his sons, a grandfather who adored spending time with his grandkids and someone who was always willing to lend a hand to anyone in need. Jack lived 92 of his 96 years in Aroostook County and was one of those people who make that part of Maine such a special place to call home or to visit.

He was predeceased by his wife of 61 years Dot on November 26, 2014, brother Greg Phelan and sister-in-law Leona, and brother-in-law Dwight Sewell and wife Jackie. He is survived by sons, David of Presque Isle and Bob and his wife Michelle of Durham, and grandchildren Hannah of Attleboro Mass., and Jeremy of Durham. He is also survived by nieces and nephews Dr. Elizabeth Phelan of Bainbridge Island, Wash., Sharon Siegal of Holliston, Mass., Donna Walker and husband AJ of Westbrook, Tom Sewell and wife Donna of Saco, and Jon Sewell and wife Kelley of Eliot. He is also survived by grandnieces and grandnephews Anna, Benjamin. Abby, Emily, Erica, Marissa, Kaitlin, and Joshua.

Per Jack’s request, there will be no funeral. A private interment will be held later this spring at the Maine Veterans Cemetery in Caribou.

The family wishes to thank the staff of the Maine Veterans Home for the care they provided to Jack over the final months of his life. Arrangements in care of Lancaster-Morgan Funeral Home, 11 Clover St., Caribou, ME 04736. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at: http://www.lancastermorgan.com.

Donations in Jack’s name can be mailed to St. John’s Catholic School, 39 Pleasant Street, Brunswick ME 04011 or online at https://www.sjcsbme.org/donate.