Richard J. Phelan

 Richard James Phelan passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on July 16, 2024 after a sudden illness. Richard was born to Harold and Anna (Peltak) Phelan in Lewiston, Maine in 1938 with the family returning to live in Manchester shortly after. Sadly, Anna died in 1950 when Richard was only twelve years old, followed by the death of his father Harold in 1953.

 The following years were extremely challenging for Richard and his siblings as they forged their way together without their parents. Due to their strength, faith and love for one another they led fulfilling and meaningful lives.

 Richard was a talented trombonist. He joined the 39th Army Band at age 19. This group functioned as a family and many of these friendships still remain. He played trombone and was a drum major in parades and concerts throughout New Hampshire, often attended by his family.

 Richard began his own family when he married the love of his life, Sally Thibeault, in July of 1962. Sally’s parents, Leo and Emma Thibeault, welcomed Richard as their new son-in-law. Richard would often recount how much Leo and Emma meant to him and how wonderful it was to be part of this family, especially after being orphaned at a young age. They greeted him as their second son and the warmth of the family changed his life.

 Richard had a deep commitment to Sally and his four children. He loved his immediate family as well as his work family, his band family and his Hibernian family. He adored his fifteen nieces and nephews and they all loved their Uncle Richard fiercely.

 Richard and Sally lived in Manchester for a short time, then moved to Sally’s hometown of Derry where they raised their children and made their home for three decades.

 As a young person, Richard was imbued with a love of fishing. He learned to tie his own flies and would carry his fishing rod in the car, just in case he passed a river or lake that looked promising. There was nothing so peaceful for him as standing in a brook, wearing his waders, hearing the water pass by while watching his fly on the surface. He also took enjoyment in being on the beach, Hampton Beach as a young man and Moody Beach with his family later.

 Richard had a deep and lasting love for dogs. When his children were young, he brought home a Springer Spaniel that he named Snickles. More dogs followed in the ensuing years, with Ebony, a lab mix, bringing much love to the family. In his later years, Richard fell in love with each dog that became part of his children’s families.

 Richard was an intellectual, having a lifelong love of learning and was extremely knowledgeable about history. He did the crossword puzzle daily, in ink, never missing a single letter. Reading was a favorite pastime for him and he often received Barnes and Noble gift cards from family with joy. Music was a significant aspect of his life and often just the mood-booster he needed. His children remember Irish music streaming through the home and his love of it was passed to them.

 To make his living, Richard worked for New England Telephone as an equipment installer in switching offices located throughout the state. He then worked as a telephone engineer in Manchester, where he designed telephone networks. There he befriended many colleagues with whom he socialized right up to his final days, often going out to breakfast in the morning.

 Following retirement, he enjoyed a variety of jobs including serving as a court officer for the New Hampshire court system.

 Richard was predeceased by his parents; his sister, Patricia Sapienza and his brothers-in-law, Alfred Sapienza, Merv Weston and John Harrington.

 He is survived by his wife, Sally Phelan of Hooksett, NH; his sister, Ruthanne Weston of Scarborough, ME; his brother, Garrett Phelan and his wife, Janet Nordman, of Fairport, NY; his sister-in-law, Sandy O’Brien, of Merrimack, NH and brother-in-law, Gene Thibeault and his wife, Deborah Askew, of British Columbia.

 Richard is also survived by his four children, Anne Keating and her husband, Michael Keating, of Keene, NH, Kathleen Polifrone and her husband, Mark Polifrone, of Marlborough, NH, Kevin Phelan and his wife, Jeanne (Bureau) Phelan, of Manchester, NH and Mary Maffeo and her husband, Anthony Maffeo, of North Haven, CT.

 Richard’s grandchildren were the joy of his life. He leaves behind Emma Keating and her fiancé, Ben Tuttle, of Keene, NH and his great granddaughter, Emily Tuttle, of Brattleboro, VT. Other grandchildren include Kevin Polifrone and Matthew Polifrone, both of Marlborough, NH, Margaret Polifrone of Marlborough, NH and her partner, Hunter Oberst of Alstead, NH and Rachel Phelan of Manchester, NH.

 Richard’s life far exceeded his youthful expectations. He was a very lucky and loved man and he knew it.

 SERVICES: Calling hours will be held on Thursday, August 1 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Lambert Funeral Home & Crematory, 1799 Elm St., Manchester. A funeral ceremony will be held on Friday, August 2 at 10 a.m. in the funeral home followed by interment at the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery, 110 Daniel Webster Highway, Boscawen.

 In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Granite State Dog Recovery at their website https://www.granitestatedogrecovery.com/shop-our-wishlist. Checks may be sent to 7 Dartmouth St., Hooksett, NH 03106