Ronald Neil Phelan served in Germany for the US army from 1963-1966 where he learned the trade of heavy equipment repair. He continued his work after returning to the states as a heavy equipment operator and belonged to the International Union of Operating Engineers. Ronald was diagnosed with ALS in 2005, and lost his battle in June of 2006 only a few weeks after his 61st birthday. He left behind his wife Janet of 38 years, 3 daughters, Elizabeth, Erin, and Eileen, and one grandson. Since his death, 3 more grandchildren have been born.