Unforgoten Histories

Lieutenant Kenneth “Kenny” John Phelan Sr., 41 years old, Rescue at the World Trade Center

Kenneth John Phelan Sr. was born on June 27, 1960 to Helene and Daniel Phelan in Maspeth, Queens, NY, where he grew up and lived into adulthood. He had four sisters, Marian, Jean, Mary, and Fran, and a brother, Lenny. He most commonly went by the nickname, Kenny. Kenny attended and graduated from Grover Cleveland High School. Before his work with the FDNY, he worked as a police officer for the NYPD from 1981 to 1989. Kenny married his high school sweetheart, Patricia Phelan, and they had four children together, Kimberly, age 18, Erin, age 14, Danny, age 11, and Kenneth Jr., age 8 (at the time of Kenny’s passing). Kenny adored his wife, Patricia, and was never without his wedding ring. He loved taking his children on trips to Disney World and different sports games and outings. Kenny was an avid fan of the New York Mets since his childhood. His mother, Helene, recalled that at age five, he once wore a Mets uniform for a week straight. Kenny’s first date with his wife, Patricia, was at a Mets game. The Mets won that night, and recalling the memory, Patricia said, “I guess I won too.” Kenny was also an expert skier and loved the slopes at Killington. He would go with his wife and also taught his niece, Jennifer, to ski. He loved the ocean, especially at Breezy Point. Kenny was active in his church, Our Lady of Hope, and coached basketball for the church’s youth organization, including the teams of his younger brother, Lenny, and his own children. Kenny was described by his friends and family as loyal, friendly, kind-hearted, and “a stand-up guy”.

Kenny worked as a lieutenant firefighter for the FDNY, Engine 217, following in the footsteps of his father, Daniel, who had also worked for the FDNY. ➡️(more in comments)

South tower attack moment - 11 September 2001