Daniel “Dan” Phelan, a Justice resident known for his quick wit, steady hands and ability to fix almost anything — from machines to awkward silences — died April 26, 2026, after a courageous battle with lung cancer. He was 77.
Phelan was born December 18, 1948, in Chicago. He attended high school in Burbank, Illinois, and worked as a stationary engineer, a career that suited his practical nature and problem-solving skills.
He married Karen, and together they built a life of 47 years marked by love, laughter and the kind of everyday memories that became family stories. He was devoted to his five children: Danny, Joe, Kim, Tina and Erick Aldarondo.
Phelan is survived by his wife, Karen; his children; 12 grandchildren: Kyle and Julia Casillo, Kaylan and Mike Rodriguez, Conor Phelan, Corinne and David Joy, Andrew and Jessica Aldarondo, and Aaden Aldarondo; two great-grandchildren, Fiora Casillo and Davey Joy; his brother, Tom Phelan; his sister, Kathy Lutrell; his brother-in-law, Ray Kunze; his sister-in-law, Donna Anhalt; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Bernice Phelan; his son, Ricky; and his siblings, Robert, Patrick, Jerry, Judy, Dee, Sandy and Franny.
Phelan was known for his humor, generosity and ability to make people feel at ease. He loved golf, fishing and slot machines, and he took particular joy in daily rides with his beloved dog, Zoey. He was handy in the truest sense — the kind of man who could look at a problem and already know the answer.
A visitation will be held Friday, May 1, 2026, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 South 88th Avenue, Justice, Illinois.
Cremation rites will be accorded.