Person Page - 1

           Ralph Thomas Phelan was born on 15 October 1924 at St. Mary's Hospital, Waterbury, Connecticut. His attending physician was Raymond J. Quinn, M.D., who, lived just a few houses away on Baldwin Street.^{22,23,24,5,25,26,7,8,27,28} He was baptized on 26 October 1924 at St. Francis Xavier Church, Waterbury, Connecticut. Sponsors were Mary Bergin, his cousin, and William Phelan, his paternal uncle. He was baptized according to the rite of the Roman Catholic Church by the Reverend Edward J. Quinn.²
     Ralph Thomas Phelan appears as Ralph Phelan, age 5, in the census of 5 June 1930 at 700 Baldwin Street, Waterbury, Connecticut,in the household of Joseph Francis Phelan as his son, along with Helen Marie Dwyer, Anna Dawson, Anna Frances Dwyer, Joseph Francis Phelan Jr. and Francis Joseph Phelan.⁵
     Ralph Thomas Phelan appears as Ralph Phelan, age 15, in the census of 2 April 1940 at 700 Baldwin Street, Waterbury, New Haven County, Connecticut,in the household of Joseph Francis Phelan as his son, along with Helen Marie Dwyer, Joseph Francis Phelan Jr., Francis Joseph Phelan and Anna Frances Dwyer.^29,30,31 Between October 1942 and February 1943, Ralph Thomas Phelan was a receiving and shipping checker at Chase Manufacturing. He checked weights and contents of packages being shipped and stenciled addresses. on North Main Street, Waterbury, Connecticut.^26,32
     Ralph Thomas Phelan witnessed the marriage of Ann Patricia McNamara and Joseph Francis Phelan Jr.his brother, on 24 October 1942 at St. Francis Xavier Church, Waterbury, Connecticut.^33,34,35,36
     Ralph was stationed at Fort Lewis, Pierce County, Washington, in 1943. (Note-Fort Lewis was the primary Army training center of the Pacific Northwest during World War II, with a population of 37,000 troops. From 1942-1943, 42 Japanese, German, and Italian Americans were held at Fort Lewis as part of the government's "enemy alien" internment program. A fair number of the German POWs came from Erwin Romme's famed Afrika Corps.²⁷
     Ralph was stationed at Camp Shelby, Hattiesburg, Mississippi, between 1943 and March 1944. (Note-Camp Shelby was the largest training center in the world. It contained 360,000 acres with another 400,000 acres leased for maneuvers. It also hosted the units of the Women's Army Corp. a prisoner of war camp was also created to house German POWs captured from Rommel's Africa Corps. Shelby was deactivated after WWII.)²⁷ He enlisted in the United States Army on 18 February 1943 at Hartford, Connecticut, as a private. His record shows that he was 68 inches tall and weighed 116 pounds. Ralph was in the 3rd Army, 20th Corp., 733rd Field Artillery. He was a surveyor who dug in the big guns. Ralph said that if you joined the Army in high school before you graduated, you automatically got a diploma in advance. Many joined because they had to go anyway.^37,12
     Ralph Thomas Phelan enlisted on 18 February 1943 at Hartford, Connecticut. He signed up for the duration of the war, plus 6 months.
     Ralph was stationed at Btry B 733 F.A.B., Camp Maxey, Powderly, Texas, in May 1943. (Note-The U.S. Army used this camp from 1942 to 1945 to train infantry soldiers heading to fight in Europe during World War II. The 36, 682-acre camp included a mock German village with buirldigs named Gstapo or Himmler, among others, and decorated with Nazi swastikas. In an era before electronic targets, camp designers used an ingenious arrangement of ropes and pulleys to pop silhouette targets up in windows and doorways to add authenticity and realism to the village training. The camp's obstacle course used challenging barbed wire barriers and small dynamite charges to simulate artillery explosions. The camp had varied terrain perfect for artillery maneuvers. In total, the camp had the capacity to train about 45, 000 soldiers Additionally, the camp srved as one of the thirty-three internment camps for German prisoners of war captured in North Africa. The Texas National Guard has operated this camp since the mid 1940's.)³⁸
     Ralph trained on 26 September 1943 at Camp Gruber, north of Braggs, Muskogee County, Oklahoma. (Note-Camp Guber opened in May 1942. The main post occupied 260 acres with 2,250 buildings. Included were a 1600-bed hospital, 479 barracks, 19 post exchanges, 12 chapels, and various social and recreation centers. Physical recreation facilities were provided for all service personnel. Three swimming pools, a sports arena, twenty-four softball, and ten diamonds were located throughout the complex. Famous visitors included actor Cary Grant and Joe Louis. in June 1943, plans were made to establish a prisoner of war camp at Gruber. When completed, the facility had the capacity of 5,750 prisoners. Camp Gurber only housed German prisoners beginning May 29, 1943. Camp Gurber closed at the end of the war.)^12,26,39,40 He; Ralph was initially with the Headquarters and Headquarters Battery 405th Field Artillery Group. His Army serial number was 31 324 024. For the first six months, he was a private while he was in basic training. He advanced to Private First Class and became a Surveyor. His highest grade held was a corporal where he was a Battery Clerk. The description states that he "took care of service records, made up payrolls, attended to allotments. Made morning reports. Kept alphabetical and numerical file. Prepared mimeographs, stencils, indorsments (sic),reports and standard forms." He was with Battery B, 733rd Field Artillery Battalion and departed for Europe on 10 Apr 1944 and landed 16 Apr 1944. Under the heading BATTLES AND CAMPAIGNS, it says that he was in Normandy (Northern France), Ardennes (Rhineland) and Central Europe. He was awarded the European African Middle Eastern Ribbon with 5 Bronze Stars and the Good Conduct Medal G O #6 Hq 733 FA BN on May 25, 1945. He was awarded the Medal of Verdun from Verdun, France in 1944. He left Europe on 19 Oct 1945 and landed on US soil 29 Oct 1945.^26,41
     Ralph was stationed at Denbigh, North Wales, Wales, in May 1944. (Note-Nearly 3 million American soldiers and airmen were sent to Britain, most of them arriving in the years 1943-1944, prior to the D-Day landings.)²⁷
     Ralph was stationed at Chartres, Normandy, France, in July 1944.²⁷
     Ralph Do you remember how scared you were that first night when we went into position for the first time against the enemy? Weren't we all. A Btry. had the honor of being the first Btry to fire against the enemy. Do you recall all those crashed gliders, and those parachutes hanging from the trees, evidence of the D-Day invasion?⁴²
     On 4 July 1944 at Picauville, Normandy, France. Will you ever forget the 4th of July barrage the Battalion put out? This is the first area that we saw buildings damaged by artillery fire, and also where we first tasted that famous (?) Calvados. Again A Btry was first, this time receiving the firrst casualty. (4 miles covered.)⁴²
     At Lithaire, Normandy, France, on 8 July 1944. Can anyone forget that wooded area we were in when everyone had to sleep in fox-holes? In case you forgot it, do you remember those 88's? In case you need another reminder, this is where the Air Force paved the way for the St. LO break-through. Remember all those dead German soldiers, dead horses and catlle. Did they stink. (6 miles covered.)⁴²
     At Periers, Normandy, France, on 28 July 1944. Now starts our rapid tour through FRANCE. Remember those minefields that had to be cleared before we could bivouac in them? We cahnged groups 3 times that day. (28 miles covered.)⁴²
     Ralph was stationed at near Coutances, Normandy, France, on 31 July 1944. Remember the night "Bed-CHeck Charlie" came over and then his pals dropped those bombs near A and B Btrys and a dud landed in Hdqtrs area? Remember when the 3rd Army tanls came through and all men were wearing ties, while you you were in fatigues? You felt a veteran then, didn't you? (18 miles covered.)⁴² On 1 August 1944 at Ponts, France. This is where A Btry captured the first prisoners (12 miles covered.)⁴² On 2 August 1944 at Saint-Saveur-Lendelin, Normandy, France. This is where the Jerry planes came over to bomb and strafe us while we were all lined up ready to move out. (Oh! look at those P-51's---rat..ta..ta..rat..ta..ta..ta..ta) Did you ever get your kitchen truck patched up Charlie Btry? (10 miles covered.)⁴² On 3 August 1944 at Saint James, Normandy, France. Remember that night march, blackout driving, while Jerry was overhead? (32 miles covered.)⁴² On 4 August 1944 at Betton, Brittany, France. How did you like the "Ceedre" (cider to you) that the waving French people were handing out so freely everywhere? Did you go to see that Battalion of 88's, in the field which the Jerries destroyed after raising so much hell with us? (51 miles covered.)²⁷ On 5 August 1944 at Val D'Izé, Brittany, France. Remember the flowers and the green-apples that the people used to throw at us while going through towns, not to mention an occasional bottle of cider? We left the First Army and went back to the Third Army. (41 miles covered.)⁴² On 6 August 1944 at Vergéal, Brittany, France. The "Ghost Corps" started its move and we were in that area alone with another F.A.Bn. and no Infantry around until the 5th div. came around. DOUBLE THE GUARD, maybe triple it. (20 miles covered.)⁴² On 9 August 1944 at Vaiges, Pays de la Loire, France. Remember that ride through LAVAL when "Bed Check Charlie" was trying to knock-out the bridge? We reached our bivouac area early in the morning and soon moved again. (58 miles covered.)⁴² On 10 August 1944 at Nuillé-sur-Ouette, Pays de la Loire, France. This is where C Btry captured their 13 German prisoners, at night. Are you still looking for the pistol, Jimmy? (12 miles covered.)⁴² On 13 August 1944 at Sceaux, Île-de-France, France. Remember that first long daylight ride (at least part of it was made in daylight), through LES MANS? Will you forget that early morning raid at breakfast time by several Jerry planes? (65 miles covered.)⁴² On 15 August 1944 at Courville-sur-Eure, Centre-Val de Loire, France. We finally reached this spot after 3 previous reconnaissances of position had been made, and still we kept moving to try to catch Jerry. What rain that day, remember? (65 miles covered.)⁴² On 16 August 1944 at Hartencourt, Saint-Luperce, Centre-Val de Loire, France. Did you go swimming in that creek which ran through Hq. Btry's area? (8 miles covered.)⁴² On 17 August 1944 at La Taye, Centre-Val de Loire, France. Recall where we registered (6 rounds) and then had to stop because the Armor was going into CHARTRES? Remember the 5th Inf. Div. doughs going up that night? (3 miles covered.)⁴² On 19 August 1944 at Saint-Prest, Centre-Val de Loire, France. Did you go to see the cathedral at Chartres? (15 miles covered.)⁴² On 21 August 1944 at Maintenon, Centre-Val de Loire, France. Again we couldn't get road clearance and had to go in bivouac in some fields. (15 miles covered.)⁴² On 22 August 1944 at La Ferté-Alais, Île-de-France, France. This is the place where after the survey was completed we had to move back because we were too close to the front. Which driver went to sleep in his truck and held up the rest of the convoy and we had to sleep in our vehicles? (52 miles covered.)⁴² On 23 August 1944 at Saint-Sauveur-sur-École, Île-de-France, France. We were so near PARIS and we were hoping we could get to see it, but instead we truned southward and east to go to our next stop. ( 9 miles covered.)⁴² On 25 August 1944 at Fontainebleau, Île-de-France, France. Remember those big 7 days-time bombs which the Germans left buried at the road intersections near our bivouac area? ( 8 miles covered.)⁴² On 27 August 1944 at Hermes, Hauts-de-France, France. We crossed the SEINE RIVER over Pontoon Bridge. (43 miles covered.)⁴²
     Ralph was stationed at Metz, Grand Est, France, in September 1944.²⁷ On 17 December 1944 at Kerlingen, Germany. Lots of moves around Kerlingen, the sporadic attacks of the vanishing Luftwaffe...the cold and the snow.⁴² On 9 March 1945 at Freundenberg, Germany. The ghost town without one inhabitant, animal or human. Not even one house escaped damage.⁴² On 16 March 1945 at Greimerath, Germany. Crossed the Saar River at Saarburg.⁴² On 17 March 1945 at Zwalbach, Germany. Battery B joined the battalion again. Lots of wrecked kitchens by the roadside.⁴² On 18 March 1945 at Bardenbach, Germany. The Battalion kept everyone awake that night firing about 400 rounds.⁴² On 19 March 1945 at Alsweiler, Germany. German ammunition dump in the forest.⁴² On 20 March 1945 at Matzenbach, Germany. Even the medics got three POW's that day.⁴² On 21 March 1945 at Rodenbach, Germany. The Bn. C.P. was located in a schoolhouse and we had indoor showers. What a treat! Lots of POW's going by in trucks.⁴² On 24 March 1945 at Kappeln, Germany. The town we were supposed to go to for a week's rest which never materialized.⁴² On 31 March 1945 at Steinbach, Germany, Crossed the Rhine River over the longest pontoon bridge and then rode over Hitler's famous Auto-Bahn.⁴²
     At Mainz, Germany, in April 1945.⁴² On 1 April 1945 at Asterode, Germany. Easter services out in the open. Sent candy, chocolates, and cigarettes to American and allied prisoners liberated from a camp.⁴² In 1945, the following excerpt from an article was printed in the Waterbury Republican: The Associated Press last night listed the following Waterburians as scheduled to arrive at Boston and New York today from the European Theater of Operations. Local men reported to be aboard the Montclair Victory reported as docking at Boston today: Cpl. Orfeo Canuzzi, Pfc. Joseph R. Fontano, Cpl. John O. Wall, M/Sgt Thomas P. Dowling, Cpl. Loius Colaci and Cpl. Ralph T. Phelan.⁴³ At Paris, France, in September 1945, Ralph met up with his brother Joe. Photos shows them standing in front of the Cathedral od Notre Dame and with them enjoying themselves in a Paris park.²⁷ He ended military service on 3 November 1945 at Camp Edwards, Massachusetts; with an honorable discharge.²⁶
     Ralph Thomas Phelan resided in 1946 at 700 Baldwin Street, Waterbury, Connecticut, with his father.⁴⁴ He was a salesman at D.F. Beach and Company at Waterbury, Connecticut, between 1954 and 1955.^45,46,47,48
     Ralph was a field trainer between 1957 and 1959 at Mutual of Omaha Insurance Co., New Haven, Connecticut.^49,50 He was self-employed for Floor Kleen in 1959 at Waterbury, Connecticut.⁵¹
     Ralph was an assistant city clerk at City Hall, Waterbury, Connecticut, between 6 January 1960 and 31 July 1990.^52,7,27,53
     Ralph Thomas Phelan, Anna's nephew, was an informant to her death on 1 January 1989.^54,55
     He was Catholic and a communicant of Blessed Sacrament Church and in his later years of the Immaculate Conception Church.^27,56
     Ralph died on 21 April 1994 at 207 Westwood Avenue, Waterbury, Connecticut, at age 69.^7,57,27

     Ralph Thomas Phelan was buried on 25 April 1994 at Pine Grove Cemetery, Waterbury, Connecticut.^7,58,59,27

           Joseph Francis Phelan was born on 7 April 1892 at 434 Baldwin Street, Waterbury, Connecticut..^{20,21,22,23,24,25,26,27,28,10} He was also known as Joe.²⁹
     Joseph Francis Phelan appears as Joseph Phelan, age 8, in the census of 15 June 1900 at 398 Baldwin Street (rear), Waterbury, Connecticut,in the household of John J. Phelan as his son.² Joseph Francis Phelan resided in 1900 at 398 Baldwin Street with his parents and siblings: Dennis, John, Sarah, William, Dan, and George. Mary Phelan, a possible cousin, was also living with the family although it states that she was a daughter.² He was a shophand in 1913 at The American Ring Shop/Bank St., Waterbury, Connecticut,^3,30,31 and resided in September 1913 at 332 Baldwin Street.^3,32,33
     Joseph Francis Phelan married Helen Marie Dwyer, daughter of John Dwyer and Anna Dawson, on 11 September 1913 at St. Francis Church, Waterbury, Connecticut. They were married by the Reverend Father Curtin who celebrated the nuptial mass. The attending couple was George Phelan, a brother of the groom, and Miss Anna Dwyer, a sister of the bride. As both were well known in that section of the city, the church was crowded with friends and relatives. They left on a trip to Washington and other places of interest.^{3,12,34,35,36,5,37,38,39,40,41,42} Joseph Francis Phelan was a foreman on 10 June 1914 at the American Ring Company, Waterbury, Connecticut.^43,44 He was an informant to the death of John Joseph Phelan, his son, on 8 September 1914^45,46,47 and resided on 9 September 1914 at 23 South Street.^48,49 Joseph Francis Phelan was a policeman in 1916 at Waterbury, Connecticut.^21,50 Joseph began his career as a supernumerary officer on 14 October 1916 at The Waterbury Police Dept, Waterbury, Connecticut.^{51,21,22,10,52}
     Joseph Francis Phelan filled out a military census form 26 February 1917 Waterbury, Connecticut. The Connecticut “Military Census” was taken in 1917–1918 at the direction of the General Assembly with an eye to assessing manpower available for war and other resources in the state. The census included surveys on agriculture, factories, and even automobiles, but the forms included here are questionnaires filled out by men ages 16 and over. The census was much more than a simple name count, and these questionnaires asked for details in a number of areas: name, post office address, trade or profession, age, marital status, number of dependents, citizenship,military service, and physical disability.They also asked men to report on various skills, including whether they could ride a horse or drive a team, ride a motorcycle, operate a wireless, handle a steam engine or a boat, or swim well.
     This form showed that Joseph was 25 years old, measured at 5'7'' tall, and weighed 140 lbs. His occupation was described as a supernumary policeman. He knew how to ride and handle a team of horses. He could not drive an automobile or motorcycle, understand telegraphy or operate electrical machinery among other things. He was able to handle a (power/sail) boat and was also a good swimmer.⁵³
     Due to a need for men to serve during World War I, the United States instituted a draft. The first registration was for men between the ages of 21 and 31. As a result, this registration included men born between June 5, 1886 and June 5, 1896. Joseph Francis Phelan filled out a draft card on 5 June 1917 at Waterbury, Connecticut. The report describes Joe as being medium height, medium build, having blue eyes and white hair. It also noted that he had a bruised kidney.⁴ He was a policeman working for Scovill Mfg Co. in 1917 at Waterbury, Connecticut.^54,22,50
     Joseph Francis Phelan and Helen Marie Dwyer resided in 1917 at 23 South Street, Waterbury, Connecticut, with their son, Joseph.^4,55 Joseph Francis Phelan was on the supernumerary police force in 1918 at Waterbury, Connecticut.⁵⁶ He was employed by AmRCo in 1918 at Waterbury, Connecticut.⁵⁷
     Joseph Francis Phelan and Helen Marie Dwyer resided in 1918 at 23 South Street, Waterbury, Connecticut, along with their sons, Joseph and Francis. Helen's parents also resided at this address which was a three family house.^58,59 Joseph Francis Phelan was was appointed as a patrolman in the Waterbury Police Department on 1 May 1918.⁶⁰
     Joseph Francis Phelan, age 28, appears as head of household in the census of 5 January 1920 in 622 Baldwin Street, Waterbury, New Haven, Connecticut, with Helen Marie Dwyer, Joseph Francis Phelan Jr., Francis Joseph Phelan, Anna Dawson and Anna Frances Dwyer.⁵
     Joseph Francis Phelan and Helen Marie Dwyer resided on 5 January 1920 at 622 Baldwin Street, Waterbury, Connecticut, with their children Joseph and Francis and Helen's mother and sister, both Anna Dwyers.⁵
     Joseph Francis Phelan was a pallbearer for Daniel J. Bergin, his uncle, on 26 January 1920 at Waterbury, Connecticut.⁶¹ Joseph Francis Phelan was a policeman for the city on 5 January 1920 at Waterbury, Connecticut.⁵
     Joseph Francis Phelan and Helen Marie Dwyer resided in 1924 at 700 Baldwin Street, Waterbury, Connecticut.^62,63 Joseph Francis Phelan was a policeman for the city on 15 October 1924 at Waterbury, Connecticut.^64,63 He was a policeman in 1930 at Waterbury, Connecticut.^65,50
     Joseph, age 37, appears as head of household in the census of 5 June 1930 in 700 Baldwin Street, Waterbury, Connecticut, with Helen Marie Dwyer, Anna Dawson, Anna Frances Dwyer, Joseph Francis Phelan Jr., Francis Joseph Phelan and Ralph Thomas Phelan.⁶
     Joseph Francis Phelan and Helen Marie Dwyer resided in September 1934 at 700 Baldwin Street, Waterbury, Connecticut.^40,66
     Joseph Francis Phelan resided in 1937 at 700 Baldwin Street, Waterbury, Connecticut.⁶⁷ He was an informant to the death of William F. Phelan, his brother, on 19 March 1937.^67,68
     He was a former quarterback for the Rover AC Football Team and he also pitched for the Waterbury Police Department baseball team.⁶⁹
     Joseph Francis Phelan, age 47, appears as head of household in the census of 2 April 1940 in 700 Baldwin Street, Waterbury, New Haven County, Connecticut, with Helen Marie Dwyer, Joseph Francis Phelan Jr., Francis Joseph Phelan, Ralph Thomas Phelan and Anna Frances Dwyer. The census showed that he owned his own home which had a value of $3,500.^70,71,72 Joseph Francis Phelan was a policeman for the city in April 1940.⁷³ He was employed by the Waterbury Police Department in 1942 at 235 Grand Street, Waterbury, Connecticut.⁷⁴
     Joseph Francis Phelan and Helen Marie Dwyer resided in 1942 at 700 Baldwin Street, Waterbury, Connecticut.⁷⁵
     Joseph Francis Phelan filled out a draft card on 27 April 1942 at Waterbury, Connecticut. The Fourth Registration, often referred to as the old man's registration, was conducted on 27 April 1942 and registered men who were born on or between 28 April 1877 and 16 February 1897-men who were between 45 and 64 years old-who were not already in the military. He was described as having a ruddy complexion weighing 192 lbs and measuring 5 ft 8 in tall. He had blue eyes and grey hair. The registrar's signature on the document was that of his wife, Helen M. Phelan.⁷⁶
     Joseph Francis Phelan was an informant to the death of Dennis John Phelan, his brother, on 12 February 1943.^77,78
     Joseph Francis Phelan was an informant to the death of Helen Marie Dwyer, his wife, on 24 September 1943.^40,79,80
     Joseph Francis Phelan resided in 1946 at 700 Baldwin Street, Waterbury, Connecticut, with his son, Ralph.⁸¹ He was a policeman in 1946 at Waterbury, Connecticut.⁸¹
     Joseph Francis Phelan resided in June 1951 at 700 Baldwin Street, Waterbury, Connecticut.⁸² He was a policeman in June 1951 at Waterbury, Connecticut.⁸³
     Joseph Francis Phelan married Loretta Leonard on 25 June 1951 at St. Augustine Church, Hartford, Connecticut, by the Reverend Thomas H. Dwyer, Catholic priest. (According to Winnie Fehrs (Bergin cousin), she said that Joe went with Loretta even before he met Helen Dwyer.)^{9,84,85,10,86,87,29} Joseph Francis Phelan was a policeman in 1957 at Waterbury, Connecticut.⁸⁸
     Joseph Francis Phelan resided in 1957 at 700 Baldwin Street, Waterbury, Connecticut.⁸⁸ He was was promoted to Sergeant in the Waterbury Police Department on 25 January 1957.⁸⁹ He was known to his grandchildren as Papa Joe.²⁹
     Joseph Francis Phelan resided in 1958 at 700 Baldwin Street, Waterbury, Connecticut.^10,90
     Joseph was a communicant of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church and was a member of the parish Holy Name Society.⁹¹ He died on 27 September 1958 at 700 Baldwin Street, Waterbury, Connecticut, at age 66 of a coronary occlusion due to luekemia, anemia and arteriosclerosis heart disease.^10,11,92 He was buried on 1 October 1958 at Calvary Cemetery, Waterbury, Connecticut, alongside his wife, Helen, second wife, Loretta, and Loretta's sister and father.^93,10,29

           Helen Marie Dwyer was born on 27 December 1888 at 38 Burnham Street, Waterbury, Connecticut..^{17,18,19,20,8}
     Helen Marie Dwyer resided on 15 June 1900 at 86 Washington Street, Waterbury, Connecticut.³
     Helen Marie Dwyer appears as Helen Dwyer, age 11, in the census of 15 June 1900 at 86 Washington Avenue, Waterbury, Connecticut,in the household of John Dwyer as his daughter. She is also identified as a student.^3,21 Helen Marie Dwyer was Milliner in 1910 at Waterbury, Connecticut.²² She was a milliner in 1910 at Waterbury, Connecticut.²³ She was bench worker in April 1910 at Brass Shop, Waterbury, Connecticut.²⁴
     Helen Marie Dwyer appears as Helen Dwyer, age 20, in the census of 20 April 1910 at 23 South Street, Waterbury, New Haven, Connecticut,in the household of John Dwyer as his daughter.^25,26 Helen Marie Dwyer was a shophand in 1913 at The Ring Shop/Bank Street, Waterbury, Connecticut.^27,1
     Helen Marie Dwyer married Joseph Francis Phelan, son of John J. Phelan and Mary E. Hennessey, on 11 September 1913 at St. Francis Church, Waterbury, Connecticut. They were married by the Reverend Father Curtin who celebrated the nuptial mass. The attending couple was George Phelan, a brother of the groom, and Miss Anna Dwyer, a sister of the bride. As both were well known in that section of the city, the church was crowded with friends and relatives. They left on a trip to Washington and other places of interest.^{1,28,29,30,31,4,32,33,34,6,35,36}
     Helen Marie Dwyer and Joseph Francis Phelan resided on 9 September 1914 at 23 South Street, Waterbury, Connecticut.^37,38
     Helen Marie Dwyer and Joseph Francis Phelan resided in 1917 at 23 South Street, Waterbury, Connecticut, with their son, Joseph.^39,40
     Helen Marie Dwyer and Joseph Francis Phelan resided in 1918 at 23 South Street, Waterbury, Connecticut, along with their sons, Joseph and Francis. Helen's parents also resided at this address which was a three family house.^41,42
     Helen Marie Dwyer was an informant to the death of John Dwyer, her father, on 30 December 1918.^43,44,45,46
     Helen Marie Dwyer appears as Helen Phelan, age 29 in the census of 5 January 1920 at 622 Baldwin Street, Waterbury, New Haven, Connecticut,in the household of Joseph Francis Phelan as his wife, along with Joseph Francis Phelan Jr., Francis Joseph Phelan, Anna Dawson and Anna Frances Dwyer.⁴
     Helen Marie Dwyer and Joseph Francis Phelan resided on 5 January 1920 at 622 Baldwin Street, Waterbury, Connecticut, with their children Joseph and Francis and Helen's mother and sister, both Anna Dwyers.⁴
     Helen Marie Dwyer and Joseph Francis Phelan resided in 1924 at 700 Baldwin Street, Waterbury, Connecticut.^47,48
     Helen Marie Dwyer appears as Helen Phelan, age 37, in the census of 5 June 1930 at 700 Baldwin Street, Waterbury, Connecticut,in the household of Joseph Francis Phelan as his wife, along with Anna Dawson, Anna Frances Dwyer, Joseph Francis Phelan Jr., Francis Joseph Phelan and Ralph Thomas Phelan.⁴⁹
     Helen Marie Dwyer and Joseph Francis Phelan resided in September 1934 at 700 Baldwin Street, Waterbury, Connecticut.^6,8
     Helen Marie Dwyer appears as Helen Marie Phelan, age 47, in the census of 2 April 1940 at 700 Baldwin Street, Waterbury, New Haven County, Connecticut,in the household of Joseph Francis Phelan as his wife, along with Joseph Francis Phelan Jr., Francis Joseph Phelan, Ralph Thomas Phelan and Anna Frances Dwyer.^50,51,52
     Helen Marie Dwyer and Joseph Francis Phelan resided in 1942 at 700 Baldwin Street, Waterbury, Connecticut.⁵³ Helen Marie Dwyer was the registrar for Joseph Francis Phelan's draft card on 27 April 1942 at Waterbury, Connecticut; He was described as having a ruddy complexion weighing 192 lbs and measuring 5 ft 8 in tall. He had blue eyes and grey hair. The registrar's signature on the document was that of his wife, Helen M. Phelan.⁵⁴
     Helen was a communicant of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Waterbury, Connecticut.⁵⁵ She was a housewife.⁶ She died on 24 September 1943 at St. Mary's Hospital, Waterbury, Connecticut, of spleno-myelogenous leukemia.^6,56,7 She's funeral was on 28 September 1943 at Waterbury, Connecticut. It was held from the home at 8:30 a.m. to St. Francis Xavier Church at 9 where Rev. David O'Keefe was the celebrant of a high mass, assisted by Rev. James Broderick as deacon and Rev. James Sullivan as subdeacon. Rev. Joseph Kenney of Devon was seated in the sanctuary. Pallbearers were James Slavin, William Reilly, George Rielly, George Phelan, Peter Regan and William Hennessey.^36,57 She was buried on 28 September 1943 at Calvary Cemetery, Waterbury, Connecticut. Interment was in the family plot with the commital by Father Kenney, assisted by Father Sullivan. She is buried alongside her husband, Joe and his second wife, Loretta. (Loretta's father and sister are also buried there.)^6,58,36,59

           Joseph Francis Phelan Jr. was born on 21 May 1916 at Waterbury, Connecticut..^{1,20,21,22,23,6,24}
     Joseph Francis Phelan Jr. resided on 21 May 1916 at 23 South Street, Waterbury, Connecticut.¹ He was baptized on 28 May 1916 at St. Francis Xavier Church, Waterbury, Connecticut. Sponsors were John Mitchell, cousin, and Sadie Reilly, paternal aunt. He was baptized according to the rite of the Roman Catholic Church by the Reverend E. J. Quinn.^2,25
     Joseph Francis Phelan Jr. resided in 1917 at 23 South Street, Waterbury, Connecticut, with his parents.²⁶
     Joseph Francis Phelan Jr. appears as Joseph Phelan, age 3 years 7 months old, in the census of 5 January 1920 at 622 Baldwin Street, Waterbury, New Haven, Connecticut,in the household of Joseph Francis Phelan as his son, along with Helen Marie Dwyer, Francis Joseph Phelan, Anna Dawson and Anna Frances Dwyer.³
     Joseph Francis Phelan Jr. resided on 5 January 1920 at 622 Baldwin Street, Waterbury, Connecticut, with his parents, his brother Francis, and maternal grandmother, Anna Dwyer and his aunt, Anna Dwyer.³
     Joseph Francis Phelan Jr. appears asJoseph Phelan, age 13, in the census of 5 June 1930 at 700 Baldwin Street, Waterbury, Connecticut,in the household of Joseph Francis Phelan as his son, along with Helen Marie Dwyer, Anna Dawson, Anna Frances Dwyer, Francis Joseph Phelan and Ralph Thomas Phelan.⁹
     Joseph Francis Phelan Jr. resided in June 1930 at 700 Baldwin Street, Waterbury, Connecticut.⁹
     Joseph Francis Phelan Jr. appears as Joseph F. Phelan, Jr., age 23, in the census of 2 April 1940 at 700 Baldwin Street, Waterbury, New Haven County, Connecticut,in the household of Joseph Francis Phelan as his son, along with Helen Marie Dwyer, Francis Joseph Phelan, Ralph Thomas Phelan and Anna Frances Dwyer.^27,28,29 Joseph Francis Phelan Jr. was a receiving clerk in a drug firm in April 1940 at Waterbury, Connecticut.³⁰
     Joseph Francis Phelan Jr. witnessed the marriage of Alice Carmody and Francis Joseph Phelan, his brother, on 14 September 1940 at St. Francis Xavier Church, Waterbury, Connecticut.^{31,32,33,34,35} Joseph Francis Phelan Jr. was employed by Apothecaries Hall in October 1940 at Waterbury, Connecticut. He enlisted on 16 October 1940 at Waterbury, Connecticut. He signed up for the duration of the war, plus 6 months.
     Joseph Francis Phelan Jr. resided in October 1942 at 700 Baldwin Street, Waterbury, Connecticut.³⁶
     Joseph Francis Phelan Jr. married Ann Patricia McNamara on 24 October 1942 at St. Francis Xavier Church, Waterbury, Connecticut. Witnesses were Ralph Phelan, brother of the groom, and Mrs. Catherine Regan. They were married by J. A. Broderick.^37,38,39,40
     Joseph Joe was a Private First Class in May 1943 at Hq Co 2nd B 49th AIR, PPO 258 8th Armond Div North Camp Polk, Louisianna. Joe was a Private First Class.⁴¹
     Joseph was a Private First Class on 25 September 1943 at North Polk, Louisianna.⁴² He; He was a veteran of World War II, receiving the Purple Heart for wounds received in military actions.^43,6
     In September 1945 at Paris, France, Ralph met up with his brother Joe. Photos shows them standing in front of the Cathedral od Notre Dame and with them enjoying themselves in a Paris park.⁴⁴ He was a bartender in 1946 at 866 Baldwin Street, Waterbury, Connecticut.⁴⁵
     Joseph and Ann resided in 1946 at 97 South Street, Waterbury, Connecticut.⁴⁵ Joseph Francis Phelan Jr. was a bartender in 1947 at McGrath's Restaurant, Waterbury, Connecticut.^46,47 He was an Inspector between 1951 and 1956 at Mattatuck Mfg. Co, Waterbury, Connecticut.^48,49,50,51 He was an inspector for Mattatuck Manufacturing Company in 1957 at Waterbury, Connecticut.⁵² He was an Inspector between 1957 and 1964 at Hyland Manufacturing Co., Meriden, Connecticut.^53,54,55,56
     Joseph was a parishioner of SS. Peter and Paul Catholic Church at Waterbury.⁵⁷
     Joseph Francis Phelan Jr. died on 16 June 1964 at St.Mary's Hospital, Waterbury, Connecticut, at age 48 of generalized abdominal metastases due to rectal cancer.^6,58 He was buried on 18 June 1964 at Calvary Cemetery, Waterbury, Connecticut.^59,60

           Francis Joseph Phelan was born on 10 December 1917 at St. Mary's Hospital, Waterbury, Connecticut..^{1,26,27,4,28,29,30,31} He was baptized on 23 December 1917 at St. Francis Xavier Church, Waterbury, Connecticut. Sponsors were Dennis Slavin and Mary Slavin, uncle and maternal aunt. He was baptized according to the rite of the Roman Catholic Church by the Reverend J. P. Kennedy.²
     Francis also went by the name of Mutter.¹⁷
     Francis Joseph Phelan appears as Francis Phelan, age 2 years one month old, in the census of 5 January 1920 at 622 Baldwin Street, Waterbury, New Haven, Connecticut,in the household of Joseph Francis Phelan as his son, along with Helen Marie Dwyer, Joseph Francis Phelan Jr., Anna Dawson and Anna Frances Dwyer.³
     Francis Joseph Phelan appears as Francis Phelan, age 12, in the census of 5 June 1930 at 700 Baldwin Street, Waterbury, Connecticut,in the household of Joseph Francis Phelan as his son, along with Helen Marie Dwyer, Anna Dawson, Anna Frances Dwyer, Joseph Francis Phelan Jr. and Ralph Thomas Phelan.⁴
     Francis Joseph Phelan appears as Francis Phelan, age 21, in the census of 2 April 1940 at 700 Baldwin Street, Waterbury, New Haven County, Connecticut,in the household of Joseph Francis Phelan as his son, along with Helen Marie Dwyer, Joseph Francis Phelan Jr., Ralph Thomas Phelan and Anna Frances Dwyer.^32,33,34 The census shows that Francis Joseph Phelan was a car janitor for the railroad in April 1940 at Waterbury, Connecticut.³⁵
     Francis Joseph Phelan married Alice Carmody on 14 September 1940 at St. Francis Xavier Church, Waterbury, Connecticut. Witnesses were Joseph Phelan, brother of the groom, and Loretta Pelletier. They were married by the Reverend Joseph L. Kinney.^7,6,36,37,38
     Francis was a waiter in 1941 at McGrath's Restaurant, Waterbury, Connecticut,³⁹ and a roller at Chase Rolling Mill in 1944 at Waterbury.⁴⁰ In 1946, Francis Joseph Phelan was employed by CR & L Company (Connecticut Railway and Lighting Company) as a bus driver. His brother Ralph recounts the time that one day, it was raining and Franny drove everyone home; He was fired.^41,17 He was employed by the Park Department in 1957 at Waterbury, Connecticut.^41,42
     Francis was a bench worker in 1968 at Anaconda American Brass Company, Waterbury, Connecticut.⁴³
     Between September 1940 and 1968, Francis and Alice resided at 811 Baldwin Street, Waterbury, Connecticut, in the Washington Hill section of the city. Alice continued to reside in the same house until a few years before her death in 1999.^{44,45,46,41,47,48,49}
     Francis Joseph Phelan died on 22 May 1968 at St Mary's Hospital, Waterbury, Connecticut, at age 50 from pneumonia and encephalomalacia. His wife Alice was the informant to his death.^10,50,51,8 He was buried on 24 May 1968 at New St. Joseph's Cemetery, Waterbury, Connecticut.^52,53

           Ann Patricia McNamara was born on 9 March 1917 at Cambuslang, Lanarkshire, Scotland..^{7,8,9,10,11,12}
     Ann immigrated on 4 April 1929 to New York.¹³
     Ann resided in October 1942 at 97 South Street, Waterbury, Connecticut.¹⁴
     Ann Patricia McNamara married Joseph Francis Phelan Jr., son of Joseph Francis Phelan and Helen Marie Dwyer, on 24 October 1942 at St. Francis Xavier Church, Waterbury, Connecticut. Witnesses were Ralph Phelan, brother of the groom, and Mrs. Catherine Regan. They were married by J. A. Broderick.^15,16,17,18
     On 3 August 1943, Ann applied for citizenship as an American citizen.¹⁹
     Ann was a Secretary in the 1940's at Anaconda American Brass, Waterbury, Connecticut.²⁰
     Ann and Joseph resided in 1946 at 97 South Street, Waterbury, Connecticut.²¹
     Ann Patricia McNamara was an informant to the death of Joseph Francis Phelan Jr., her husband, on 16 June 1964.^22,23
     Ann worked in the Personnel Department from 1969-to the mid 1980's at Anaconda American Brass, Waterbury, Connecticut.²⁴
     Ann Patricia McNamara died on 16 November 1988 at Waterbury, Connecticut, at age 71 of lung cancer.²⁵ She was buried at Calvary Cemetery, Waterbury, Connecticut.²⁵

           Bruce Albert Grenier Sr. was born on 28 November 1944 at Waterbury, Connecticut..² He was a Pressman between 1964 and 1973 at Eastern Color Printing, Waterbury, Connecticut.³ He was a Foreman between 1973 and 1989 at Connecticut Printers, Inc., Bloomfield, Connecticut.⁴ He was a Master Printer at Orlando Sentinel and Eastern Color Printing, Orlando, Florida.⁵
     Bruce Albert Grenier Sr. died on 30 July 2018 at Oviedo, Florida, at age 73.¹

           Robert Joseph Phelan was born on 15 January 1951 at St. Mary's Hospital, Waterbury, Connecticut..^8,9
     Bob resided in January 1951 at 811 Baldwin Street, Waterbury, Connecticut, with his parents.¹ He also went by the name of Bob.¹⁰
     Bob married second Patricia Bartow on 28 July 1991.¹¹
     Bob was a carpenter for many years for Caruso's Remodeling before becoming owner at Waterbury, Connecticut.¹²
     Robert Joseph Phelan died on 17 February 2003 at Waterbury Hospital, Waterbury, Connecticut, at age 52.¹³ He was buried on 20 February 2003 at New Calvary Cemetery, Waterbury, Connecticut.¹⁴

           Joseph Francis Phelan III was born on 27 February 1957 at St. Mary's Hospital, Waterbury, Connecticut, at 2:33 P.M. weighing 6 lbs. 12 oz.^8,9 He was a truck driver for Murphy transportation.^10,11 He was waterline construction worker in 1990 at Heitkamp Int., Connecticut.¹²
     He was a fan of the New York Yankess and the New York Giants.
     Joseph Francis Phelan III died on 4 December 2013 at at home, Waterbury, Connecticut, at age 56 after a long illness.^10,13 He was buried on 9 December 2013 at New Calvary Cemetery, Waterbury, Connecticut.^10,14

           Alice Carmody was born on 15 June 1917 at Waterbury, Connecticut..^5,6,3 She was baptized on 22 June 1917 at Saint Francis Xavier Church, Waterbury, Connecticut.⁷
     Alice Carmody resided in September 1940 at 811 Balwin Street, Waterbury, Connecticut.⁸
     Alice Carmody married Francis Joseph Phelan, son of Joseph Francis Phelan and Helen Marie Dwyer, on 14 September 1940 at St. Francis Xavier Church, Waterbury, Connecticut. Witnesses were Joseph Phelan, brother of the groom, and Loretta Pelletier. They were married by the Reverend Joseph L. Kinney.^1,9,10,11,12
     Alice was a saleswoman at Engleman's Children's Shop and later worked at Hope Hall Convalescent Home for several years before she retired at Waterbury, Connecticut.^13,14
     Between September 1940 and 1968, Alice and Francis resided at 811 Baldwin Street, Waterbury, Connecticut, in the Washington Hill section of the city. Alice continued to reside in the same house until a few years before her death in 1999.^{15,16,17,18,19,20,21}
     Francis Joseph Phelan died on 22 May 1968 at St Mary's Hospital, Waterbury, Connecticut, at age 50 leaving Alice a widow; from pneumonia and encephalomalacia. His wife Alice was the informant to his death.^22,23,24,25
     Alice was a communicant of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church (Waterbury) and a member of the parish Ladies Guild.²⁶
     Alice Carmody died on 11 November 1999 at Waterbury, Connecticut, at age 82 after a brief illness.²⁷ She was buried on 15 November 1999 at New St. Joseph's Cemetery, Waterbury, Connecticut.²⁸

           Francis Joseph Phelan was born on 5 December 1941 at St. Mary's Hospital, Waterbury, Connecticut..^1,9,10
     Franny resided at 811 Baldwin Street, Waterbury, Connecticut.¹ He also went by the name of Franny^11,12 and the nickname "Mudder."¹¹ He was confirmed in May 1954 at St. Francis Xavier Church, Waterbury, Connecticut. Franny took the name Ralph as his confirmation name. Was it in honor of his uncle Ralph Phelan?¹²
     Francis Joseph Phelan died on 2 June 2020 at home-57 Heritage Drive, Naugatuck, Connecticut, at age 78.¹³