NORFOLK: Matthew J. “Trapper John” Phelan 66 of 23 Seekonk Street died at Caritas Norwood Hospital, Wednesday, January 17, 2007, shortly after his arrival there. He was the husband of Celia (Lyons) Phelan.
Born in Norwood, April 7, 1940 a son of the late Matthew J. and Mary A. (Sullivan) Phelan, he was a lifelong Norfolk resident. He was educated in local schools, and was a graduate of the first graduating class at King Philip Regional High school in 1957.
For more than 35 years until his retirement, he worked in security at the former Medfield State Hospital. He retired as Chief of Campus Police. He also owned and operated a pest control service, Trapper John Wildlife Service of Norfolk.
He was a member of the National Rifle Association, The National Trappers Association, The American Association of Retired Persons, and was a founding member of St. Jude’s Church in Norfolk.
Surviving in addition to his wife of 37 years are 2 sons: Matthew S. Phelan of Milford, Thomas C. Phelan of Norfolk, a brother James M. Phelan of Norfolk, 1 sister Jean P. Cataldo of Wrentham, and 2 grandchildren.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend his funeral Saturday at 9:15 AM from the Charles F. Oteri & Son Franklin Funeral Home, 33 Cottage Street, www.franklinfuneral.com with a Funeral Mass in St. Jude Church, 86 Main Street, Norfolk at 10AM. Interment will follow Norfolk Cemetery.
There are no calling hours.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory sent to the Jimmy Fund 10 Brookline Place West 6th Floor, Brookline, MA 02445 would be appreciated.