On Wednesday, October 12, Corey Phelan, of Greenlawn, climbed the stairway to Heaven after battling non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, leaving family and friends behind. He was 20 years old.
Phelan touched the lives of everybody he interacted with. His friends remember him as someone who never lost faith despite significant health complications and pressed forward until the very end.
At 13, Phelan became a part of the Long Island Titans Baseball organization. He was the star left-handed pitcher.
After turning down a commitment to Flagler University (D2), Phelan signed with The Philadelphia Phillies organization in 2020 to play Minor League Baseball— he was signed right out of High School after a scout watched Phelan play in a closed practice.
Going into his sophomore year at Harborfields High School, Phelan changed: he was taller and more built, and his future with baseball brightened.
His impressive physique, build and athleticism weren’t all that he had going for him. Phelan’s warm smile and kind energy never went unnoticed— and he always went the extra mile for his friends.
Michael Panariello, 20, was a close friend of Phelan’s, a friendship that began in about 3rd grade. The day before going away for his first semester at Skidmore College, Panariello stopped by Phelan’s house to say goodbye. To Panariello’s surprise, Phelan had his favorite bacon, egg and cheese sandwich in hand.
“He gave me a little smirk and said, ‘I’m making money now! You’re going off to college. I’m really proud of you,’” Panariello said.
In April, at just age 19, Phelan was diagnosed with cancer.
This news that such a fine young man was struck with such an illness rocked not only friends and family but the entire Harborfields and Long Island community. In May, Harborfields High School held a golf outing to support and donate to Phelan’s treatment.
The diagnosis also impacted his team, the Phillies.
“It was pretty tough, honestly,” All-Star catcher J.T. Realmuto told NBC Sports. “We got to know Corey and his family pretty well. He was always so positive, even with everything he was going through. He just brought light to our clubhouse.”
“We got to pray with him a few times. And his faith was pretty inspiring for a lot of us. He definitely touched a lot of hearts in that clubhouse. And we’re going to miss him dearly.”
In support of Phelan’s battle, Phillies Manager Rob Thomson wore a wristband every day during the regular season and continued to do so in the postseason.
“His strength was amazing,” Thomson said.
In a statement, the Phillies expressed their heartache for Phelan’s passing: “The Phillies family is extremely saddened by the tragic passing of Corey Phelan. Corey’s positive presence and selflessness influenced everyone around him. While he was incredibly passionate about the game of baseball, his love for his family and his strong faith superseded everything else. We extend our deepest condolences to his family, as well as his teammates and staff who were by his side, providing emotional support throughout the course of his courageous battle with cancer.”
His friends remember him as persevering, family and faith-oriented.
“Corey was a really religious person. The whole family is, you know, go to church every weekend,” Panariello said. “He would send me a lot of prayers for 5 or 6 years now.”
Aidan Dowd, 20, of Greenlawn, underwent surgery over the summer. While this was an incredible struggle, Phelan gave Dowd the words of encouragement he needed then, which still stick with him now.
“Gotta have that Lion mindset not the biggest in the jungle not the fastest not the strongest but it’s the king of the Jungle all about that mind set,” Phelan told Dowd.
“Love u brother,” he replied.
Phelan was loved and adored by all who knew him:
“Corey was one of the most special people I have ever met. He was funny, kind, and one of the hardest workers I’ve ever seen. We had both always dreamt of playing in the MLB and I was so proud of him when he accomplished that dream. Even with his accomplishments, he was always the same Corey that I knew growing up. He truly was a special person and I will always miss him, but I know he is in a better place.” — Brendan Polay, 20, of Greenlawn
“Corey had an impact on everyone’s life no matter who it was. He lit up every single room he walked in and always had a smile on his face. He loved, cared, and thought about everybody. He put friends and family before himself even throughout this dark time in his life. Corey was the definition of a true warrior even before his battle with cancer and he always will be no matter where he is. I know that he will be looking over all of us and spending every special moment with us, he will watch over us and protect us all with his amazing heart. Corey, I love you and I always will. You’ll always be in my thoughts and prayers and continue to be a great friend even from up there. Fly incredibly and keep pitching away, none of us will ever forget you or your legacy. This isn’t a goodbye, it’s a see you later. Keep putting smiles on everyone’s faces wherever you are and know that everybody is always thinking of you. I love and miss you Corey. CP13 for life. Love, Bono.” — James Bonofazio, 20, of Greenlawn
“Corey was the nicest kid ever and he had a contagious laugh and smile. He was truly one of a kind. When most people grow up they lose their fun and silly side but not Corey he always knew how to light up a room.” — Kelly Huseman, 20, of Centerport
“Corey was the kind of person that lit up every room he walked in he, without a doubt, was one of the funniest people we’ve ever met. Corey was kind to all and made this world a better place. Although he was stolen from us way too soon, we know he was destined to do bigger and better things and is looking down on all of us from baseball heaven- he made us forever Phillies fans! We love him and will miss him so much.” — Phelan’s girlfriends “for life,” Aimee Camerson, Caroline Dluginsky, Brooke Carney, Alyssa Anton, Lilly Staib, Ally Carney, Liz Lamerson and Peyton Buckholtz
Phelan’s funeral was held on Wednesday, October 19 at Our Lady Queen of Martyrs in Centerport. He was surrounded by countless loved ones. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Corey’s memory to the Church: 53 Prospect Road, Centerport, NY 11721.
At the funeral, the entire church was filled with people who had the joy of meeting and knowing him. Not one additional person could fit on any of the pews. It was also broadcasted on ZOOM for those who could not be in physical attendance, thanks to a Harborfields English teacher who works with the Journalism classes, Vincent Ambrosio.
His humanism and livelihood stood out when the Father shared some of Phelan’s most human moments: doing backflips into his pool from a ladder, cutting Connor’s hair when he was a child and throwing a soda bottle down the stairs just to see what would happen.
Even in sickness, Corey’s humility and selflessness stood out. While at the hospital, he met 5-year-old Belle Svoboda who is also battling cancer.
Phelan told her he would be her guardian angel, and he would watch over her. At the mass, Belle’s mother, Sara Svoboda played a voice message from her daughter saying that Corey is her guardian angel and is “playing with the unicorns up above,” which brought joy and laughter to a room that needed it.
Tears were shed, hugs were given, the sun beamed on the church and the silence of the mourners was drowned out by the chirping of the birds.
He is survived by his parents, Chris and Christie Phelan; brothers Connor and Colin; and sister, Caleigh.
“I hope no one has to go through what I have been through to see how beautiful life is, but I hope everyone is able to see how beautiful life is the way I see it,” Phelan said. This was one of his final and most impactful quotes.
God has you now.
CP13, Forever in our Hearts.
