Farmington High School AD, Former UHart Coach Jack Phelan Dies

FARMINGTON/WEST HARTFORD, CT — Former University of Hartford men's basketball coach and current Farmington High School athletic director Jack Phelan has died. Both the school and university announced his passing Monday, six days after his 66th birthday.

Farmington school officials said the news of Phelan's passing comes with "profound grief."

Current UHart head coach John Gallagher Tweeted that he is "devastated" over Phelan's passing.

Phelan served as the men's coach at UHart from 1981 to 1992 and compiled an overall record of 128–181. He also oversaw the transition of the program from NCAA Division II status to Division I. He also coached at Niagara University, Saint Francis University and Fairfield University.

Phelan was a standout at Saint Francis after graduating from Northwest Catholic High School. He scored a home court record of 42 points in his senior season against Duquesne.

Phelan was chosen in the sixth round of the 1977 NBA draft by the Golden State Warriors.

Farmington school officials sent out the following letter Monday:

"Dear Farmington Families, Faculty and Staff,

"We write this message to you with heavy hearts and profound grief. It is with deep sadness that
we inform you of the sudden passing of Jack Phelan, our beloved Farmington High School
(FHS) Athletic Director. Jack served the Farmington community for seventeen years with
excellence and unwavering dedication. He served in more than just the role of FHS Athletic
Director as an individual that everyone could count on. Jack was a deeply caring person who
understood what was most important in life - family. Jack was in many ways, the head of the
FHS family, always there for each one of us. He was quick to write an encouraging note,
extend sincere praise and be present for others in their best as well as their most difficult
moments. In every way, he modeled to us how to take care of one another as a mentor, coach
and dear friend.

"We will miss Jack deeply. We will always remember his pride in being part of the Farmington
schools and the way his face would light up when speaking about FHS athletes, students,
coaches, faculty and staff. Jack would never forget anyone’s name and could tell you details
about each person that was fortunate enough to know him. That is because he took time to
deeply know each one of us. He was quick to offer his help in any situation and fiercely proud
of FHS athletics as well as the many athletes he coached throughout his distinguished career as
an accomplished athlete, winning coach and superb Athletic Director.

Last summer, Jack was inducted into the St. Francis University Hall of Fame. As a humble leader, Jack would not have acknowledged this or the many other accolades he received at the professional, collegiate, and high school level. Jack was not just a Hall of Fame athlete; every endeavor he took on was approached with an unwavering work ethic, passion, enthusiasm, and impeccable integrity.

"Jack was a gift to the Farmington school district and his legacy will live on within the hearts of
thousands of students, faculty, staff, families and all members of the Farmington community.
There are no words to adequately express the impact of Jack's sudden passing. His leadership,
caring approach and friendship contributed to a positive and connected community at FHS as
well as a stellar athletic program. Jack's life was all about relationships and he will be deeply
missed by each member of the Farmington school district, the Farmington community, and most
especially, his very close family. Jack's family was the center of his life. Our thoughts and
prayers are with Patti, his loving wife, three adoring sons and daughters-in-law, extended family
and the apple of his eye, his grandchildren."

School officials said counselors will be available in person and virtually to support students, faculty and staff. Residents can call the FHS office at (860) 673-2514 between 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. to schedule an appointment.