Daniel Ashley Phelps

Daniel Ashley Phelps, a 50-year resident of Wyomissing, Pennsylvania, business owner and quintessential gentleman, passed away unexpectedly on Christmas Eve. He was 82 and suffered from dementia. Dan was born in Syracuse, New York to Caroline L. and Sidney R. Phelps, the oldest of their five children. He enjoyed 58 years of marriage to Judith N. Phelps.

At the age of sixteen, Dan graduated from Cazenovia High School and, being too young for college, matriculated to Mercersburg Academy. From Mercersburg, he attended the University of Pennsylvania where he studied journalism, rowed Crew and graduated in 1963.

Dan always had a passion for "big trucks" which shaped his career journey. His first job was at Adley Express in New Haven, CT, also where Dan and his new bride, Judy Nelson, started their married life. Dan furthered his management career with positions at both Leaseway Transportation Corporation and with Ryder Truck Rental and Leasing. These roles began a journey that took Dan to Hartford, CT, Syracuse, NY, Ottawa, Canada and Indianapolis. In 1973, Roger Penske recruited Dan to manage Reading's branch of MM Waterbor which later became Penske Truck Leasing. Leveraging his past experiences, and a heavy dose of entrepreneurial spirit, Dan established Dan Phelps GMC Trucks in 1979.

Over 25 years, the dealership was in three different locations around Reading, finally settling in Shillington, PA where Buick was added. Dan worked tirelessly as a business owner, devoted to both his customers and employees. After selling the Dealership in 2004, Dan operated Phelps Transport Resources, and engaged in community endeavors. In 2006, he was encouraged by the community to run for the Wyomissing Borough Council where he was elected and served for over 12 years. He also provided his counsel as a board member of both the Reading Public Museum and the Wyomissing Public Library.

Always present was his love of the ocean and being on the water. Dan built a home in Avalon, NJ where he enjoyed boating and where he and Judy were active members of the Yacht Club of Stone Harbor. He was also active in the Poplar Islands Yacht Club, enjoying more than 14 years of cruising the Chesapeake Bay in his boat, Paper Moon.

A lifetime student of history and an avid reader, Dan was fascinated with the history of WWII. Over the years, he owned and restored several antique cars, including a WWII Weapons Carrier which is now on display at the Mid Atlantic Air Museum.

A devoted father and husband, Dan is survived by his wife Judy, their three children: Daniel Phelps (Sarah), Caroline Kesmodel, and Suzanne Kiernan (Michael) and his adored grandchildren: Ashley and Courtney Phelps, Chloe and Jane Kesmodel, and Alexander and Charlotte Kiernan.

The family is most appreciative of the care the Highlands' staff gave to Dan, especially to Bruce Martin who was Dan's Caregiver and friend for three dedicated years.

A Memorial Service is planned at Atonement Lutheran Church in Wyomissing on Saturday, January 20, 2024. 10:00AM Visitation; 11:00AM Service.

In lieu of flowers, gifts in Dan's memory may be sent to the Mid Atlantic Air Museum, 11 Museum Drive, Reading, PA 19605.

Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home is entrusted with arrangements. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.KuhnFuneralHomes.com.