Michael T. Phelan

Michael “Mike” T. Phelan passed away in his home in Guilderland, New York, on May 12, 2026. He was 72 years old.

Mike was born on August 10, 1953, in Cohoes, New York. He graduated from Catholic Central High School in 1972 and worked in Respiratory Therapy before continuing his education at the Junior College of Albany, pursuing a career in nursing. He later attended the VA of Albany School of Anesthesia for Nurses and received his Associates Degree as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist in 1980. His career of more than 30 career spanned multiple hospitals in the Capital Region, including Bellevue, Samaritan and St. Peter’s Hospitals, where he dedicated his life caring for others with skill and compassion. He also worked as a pilot and flight instructor for Richmor Aviation Flight School and as a ski instructor at Willard Mountain.

Mike was a man of many passions and interests. His love for trains, railfanning, and model railroading was widely known, as was his deep appreciation for good food, flying, history, cross-country travel, and family road-tripping in the RV. He was a diehard New England Patriots and Boston Red Sox fan, and was an active member of several social groups, including his Tuesday and Wednesday night train operating groups; the Capital District Civil War Round Table; Da Buffs; Catholic Central High School “Soul ‘72”; the Hudson-Berkshire chapter of the National Model Railroad Association; and the Mohawk-Hudson National Railway Historical Society. Mike’s love of good food meant he always “knew a place” to go, and was frequently found at Bagels and Bakes in Schenectady, Duncan’s Dairy Bar in Troy, the Metro 7 Diner in Latham, Gus’s Hot Dogs in Watervliet, or Marino’s Pizza in Schenectady. He was also an accomplished home chef, taking culinary classes for several years at Schenectady Community College. Above all other passions, Mike most valued the time spent with his family, friends, and communities with whom he shared these interests.

Mike was a beloved husband of 22 years to Kathy (nee Maira) and a dedicated father to Matthew Reiss (Erin Barnes) and Andrew (Sara) Reiss. He was Poppy to his grandsons Teddy, Owen, and Oliver. He was a loving brother to Howard (Ann) Phelan and Gary (Pat) Phelan, as well as the fun uncle to many nieces and nephews. His cats Mickey, Maddie, Mustoffelees, and Macavity will miss his warmth and care. Mike was predeceased by his father, John Phelan; his mother, A. Betty (nee Sater); his brother Jack Phelan; and his cherished cats Chessie, Maggie, Molly, Meka, and Missy.

Mike is already and will forever be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all those who knew him.

A public service for Mike will be held this Sunday, May 17, from 1:00 to 5:00pm at Bond Funeral Home 1614 Guilderland Ave in Schenectady. A private interment will follow at a future date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Michael’s name to the

Hudson Berkshire Division of the NMRA

P.O. Box 83

Clifton Park, NY 12065

Makes checks payable to:

Hudson Berkshire Division.