Michael R. Phelan, a native of Somerville, Massachusetts, and a longtime teacher, coach, and former athlete, passed away earlier this month at the age of 76, leaving his family and loved ones devastated.
According to his obituary page, Michael ‘Mike’ Phelan died after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease.
Born in Somerville, Michael Phelan touched the lives of many in the Somerville and Burlington sports communities.
Many of his loved ones are paying tributes to the late Michael Phelan and extending their heartfelt condolences to his family during this difficult time.
Mike began his athletic journey from a very young age, excelling in multiple sports. He attended Somerville High School, where he was a standout baseball player, leading his team in several victories.
He further continued his athletic career at Wentworth College, where he played for the men’s baseball team and earned a degree in engineering.
Although Michael didn’t pursue his baseball career professionally, he continued to guide youth athletes and students in the community as an amazing tennis coach and teacher.
Michael Phelan Served as Burlington High School’s Tennis Coach For Over Three Decades
The late Michael ‘Mike’ Phelan began his coaching career at Burlington High School in 1978 as the boys’ head tennis coach.
Although his first season was not a great success, the team’s records steadily improved over the next decade under his leadership.
Furthermore, in 1989, he led his BHS boys’ tennis team to capture the Middlesex League Title, the first-ever title in the school’s history.
He also led his team to two more Middlesex League titles in 1990 and 1991. Mike coached the BHS boys tennis team until 1995, achieving a record of 151 wins and 74 losses.
In 1990, he was named Boston Globe All-Scholastic Division 1 Coach of the Year and also received the Lowell Sun Coach of the Year award three times during his coaching career.
After a nearly decade-long gap, Michael returned to Burlington High School in 2003 to coach the Girls’ Tennis team and served in this position until 2007.
In 2005, Mike led his BHS Lady Devils to win their first Middlesex League title, and his team went on to win the State Division 2 North Title.
For his remarkable decades-long journey at the Burlington High School, he was inducted into the Burlington Athletic Hall of Fame in 2010.
In addition to coaching, Michael served as an outstanding teacher in the Burlington School System, beginning his teaching career as a middle school math teacher at Francis Wyman School.
He later moved to Burlington High School, where he joined the math department and taught geometry, trigonometry, and basic computer programming until his retirement in 2008.
Despite his retirement from BHS, he continued his teaching journey, teaching at Bay Path Community College.
An avid tennis player, he regularly played at the Woburn Racquet Club and served as the summer tennis manager at Burlington Country Club.
Michael Phelan’s contribution to the community as a great coach, teacher, and kind human will always be remembered.
Michael R. Phelan is survived by his wife of 54 years, Sharon Sullivan Phelan; siblings, Richard Phelan (Terry) of Tewksbury and Thomas Phelan; several nieces and nephews; and the entire family.
The family has organized a memorial service to honor the late Michael Phelan at the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn Street, Burlington, on Monday, November 10, from 4 to 7 PM.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Michael Phelan was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Juliette Phelan.
- In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mike’s name to the Burlington Community Scholarship Foundation.
