Clermont, Florida - John Charles Phelan Sr. passed away on Thursday, May 29, 2014 at his home with his loved ones at his bedside. John, better known as Jack, leaves his daughter Judy and her husband Wayne Gardner, his son John Jr. and his wife Nancy and brother Harry Phelan along with many nieces and nephews. Jack is the grandfather of John Gardner ( Kim ), Michael Gardner ( Carrie ), Patrick Gardner ( Suzanne ), John III ( JC.) ( Katie ), Kevin Phelan, and Thomas Phelan. In addition Jack has 13 great-grandchildren. Jack's wife of forty seven years Eleanor ( Red ) preceded him in passing in 1990. Jack was born and raised on the west side of Chicago, IL graduating from St. Mel High School In his early years he held many jobs and positions but his love and passion was for the automobile business. Jack loved to talk to anyone he could. His smile and like ability won many a customer over to him. He was always known as a very fair person and did whatever he could to help in anyway. His success in the business gave him the opportunity in 1970 to establish Jack Phelan Chevrolet located in Berwyn, IL. Jack successfully ran the business until his retirement in 1982. Jack passed the business on to his son John who ran the dealership until May of 2013. Jack Phelan Chevrolet is now being run by Jack's grandson John ( JC ) Phelan III. Golf was a hobby Jack took up later on in life and enjoyed immensely. He spent many a day golfing and relaxing at Cog Hill Golf Club or Riverside Country Club. Jack also was an avid Chicago White Sox fan. Over the years he made long lasting relationship with the likes of Chuck Tanner, Wilbur Wood, Dick Allen, Terry Forester and Goose Gossage. His greatest enjoyment however was visiting or talking about his family and friends. Family meant everything to him and he always preached the importance of keeping the family together. There was no prouder man when it came to his children, grandchildren and great- grandchildren. He was known to all as a very loyal man who made you feel like his life long friend. Jack was well respected in the community for his honesty and candidness. He always cheered for the underdog and would do whatever he could to assist in making someone's day a little better in anyway he could. In 1977 Jack was given the award of Citizens of the Year for all he did in his business community. He was a major supporter of the many youth teams and organization in his community. His love of flag, country, service men and women was what he wore proudly over his heart twenty four seven. He never allowed an ill word spoken in his presence of the red, white and blue. He was an American all could respect and love. Jack's Catholic up bringing gave him a faith second to none. That faith sustained him through his ninety three years on this earth. He has left behind a gift to his family and all who knew him about never giving up and always having faith in your God. Jack was truly a Blessed man. Visitation will be held at Becker Funeral Home, 806 West Minneola Ave., Clermont, FL on Monday June 2 from 5:00 - 9:00 PM. Mass of the Resurrection will be said at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 720 Twelfth Street, Clermont, FL to celebrate his life on Tuesday June 3 at 10:30 AM. There will be a visitation in Darien, IL on Friday June, 9 at Modell Funeral Home, 7710 S. Cass Ave., Darien, IL and a Catholic mass will be said to celebrate his life on Saturday June, 10 at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, 8404 S. Cass Ave., Darien, IL. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Christian Brothers, 7650 S. County Line Rd., Burr Ridge, IL 60527 or the Poor Clare Nuns, 809 East 19th Street, Roswell, NM 88201.