Mr. John (Jack) J. Phelps, 82, of N. Utica, passed away on Thursday, December 12, 2013 at St. Elizabeth Medical Center, with his loving family by his side. John was born in Buffalo, NY on July 15, 1931 the son of John L. and Marcella (Bubach) Phelps and received his education in Buffalo schools. Jack proudly served in the US Army during the Korean War. After his honorable discharge from the Army, he continued his education at Utica College of Syracuse University where he earned his bachelor's degree in physics. Jack went on to further his education through post graduate studies at Georgia Tech University. On May 17, 1952, Jack married Rita Connor at Blessed Trinity Church in Buffalo. For many years, he was employed with general Electric Company in Utica retiring in 1990. Jack enjoyed traveling, camping on Pisico Lake, photography and was a civil war history buff. He was a member of American Legion Utica Post 229, N. Utica, the G.E. Elfun Society, 100 Club Dance Group and a parishioner of St. Mark's Church in N. Utica. Jack also dedicated over 20 years doing volunteer work at St. Elizabeth Medical Center. Mr. Phelps was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, and will be sadly missed by his beloved wife Rita; six children and their spouses, John and Wendy Phelps of New Hartford, Daniel and Louise Phelps of Utica, Ellen and Frank Scharf of New Hartford, Kenneth and Christine Phelps of New Hartford, Laura and Michael Crigger of N. Utica and Thomas and Michelle Phelps of Marcy; fourteen cherished grandchildren, John, Jamie, Jessica, Christine, Timothy, Andrea, Catherine, Adam, Amanda, Benjamin, Ryan, Daniel, Jacob and Abigail and three adored great grandchildren, Andrew, Timothy and Robert O. He was predeceased by his brother, William Phelps. Mr. Phelps' funeral will be held on Tuesday, December 17, 2013 at 9:15 a.m. at the Heintz Funeral Home, 408 Herkimer Rd., North Utica and 10:00 a.m. at St. Mark's Church in N. Utica where his Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated. Rite of Committal and burial, with military honors, will be in Mount Olivet Cemetery in Whitesboro. Calling hours for family and friends are Monday from 4:00-7:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Central Association for the Blind and Visually impaired in John's memory. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Mr. Phelps' family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Dulkin as well as the nurses and staff on 3B at St. Elizabeth Medical Center for the wonderful care and compassion you gave to John. Your kindness will never be forgotten.