Dudley - Jeffrey Emerson Phelps, 56, died at home Wednesday, June 6, in Dudley, MA surrounded by his loving family and dozens of loving friends.

He leaves his wife of nearly 35 years, Susan Frost Phelps, one daughter: Morgan Phelps and three sons: Justin and Kyle Phelps of Dudley, MA, Christopher Phelps and his girlfriend, Ashley Hayes of Woodstock, CT, two sisters: Rhoda Miller of CA and Gail Gibson of OR, one brother: Kermit and his wife Barbara Phelps of Dudley, MA, many nieces and nephews and great-nieces; father in law and mother in law: Don and Mary Frost of Gilford, NH; sister-in-law, Nancy Frost of Wilbraham; brother-in-law, David Frost of Dudley. He is predeceased by brother Sherman Phelps.

He was born in Webster, MA, the son of the late Zelma and William Phelps. Jeffrey married Susan Frost August 19, 1978 at the First Congregational Church of Dudley. He worked in the Fire EMS Service at the Town Of Dudley retiring as a Fire Chief in 2011.

Jeff was one of the original fulltime career firefighter /EMTs hired by the Town Of Dudley. Jeff dedicated more than 38 years of service to the town, moving up the ranks from Lieutenant to Captain and Chief before his retirement in 2011. He initiated the paramedic program for the fire department, raising the level of service to the town.

Jeff enjoyed his part time job with the Auburn Home Depot for 16 years. He was a loving family man, a dedicated father to his children and a mentor to many young men and women who joined the fire service.

He enjoyed motorcycle racing in his youth, camping with his family, and playing with his dog, Halligan.

Jeff was a member of the PFFM as well as a local president for many years, and member of the Massachusetts Fire Chiefs Association.

Funeral services will be held Monday, June 11 at 11:00 AM at First Congregational Church of Dudley, 135 Center Road, Dudley. Burial will be in NH at a later date. Calling hours will be held on Sunday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 9 PM at Bartel Funeral Home & Chapel, 33 Schofield Ave., Dudley, MA. Donations may be made in his name to Dudley Firefighters Association, 128 West Main St., Dudley, MA 01571.www.bartelfuneralhome.com