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Sophomore Photo |
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Memories of Peter Phelis
by Ann Gott |
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Please let me start by saying
that Peter was a wonderful man and human being
who truly loved his family, his career as a FAA
Air Traffic Controller and his life. I was one
of the lucky ones as I had Peter in my life
through Westside Elementary, Parkway Jr. High
and Stranahan High and then through the rest of
his life. He thrilled at taking care of others
from the beginning as a Safety Patrol at
Westside Elementary, to serving in Viet Nam with
the 101st Airborne as an Air Traffic Controller,
and his greatest accomplishment raising 2
wonderful children, Robert and Caroline. He
moved through his life quietly and gained a life
philosophy that he called “rope a dope” |
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which he would explain “Annie, you
just have to keep them laughing” which he used in all
walks in his life. Peter touched everyone who knew him
and I feel so privileged that he was in my life.
And with that I am glad to tell you that Peter was so
loved. I remember it as if it was yesterday, standing
room only at his funeral as hundreds attended. Tributes
from his friends and co-workers, sadness coupled with
joy for many who were so glad they had known him. At the
cemetery as the service finished, taps began to play and
rain began to fall from the sky, almost as if on queue.
Yes, Peter was so loved and still is today.
Submitted by Ann Gott 3/17/08
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Memories of Peter Phelis
by Ben Marion |
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Pete and I were friends growing up in
the " Old West Side neighborhood " and he was every
thing Ann Gott said in the previous eulogy. I was
already serving in the U.S. Army as an Air Traffic
Controller when Pete's time to serve came. We had talked
when I was home on leave , and I suggested signing up
for ATC to him. After our service ended we worked
together in Ft . Lauderdale Tower. I remember his
funeral well, and all of the neighborhood kids we grew
up with attended. It was old home week in a sad way, but
a testament to Pete's popularity.
Submitted by Ben Marion. 12-6-08 |
If you have memories of Peter you would
like to share, please contact the webmaster:
graham@stranahan67.com
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