May 29, 1932 – Jan. 20, 2013

Richard E. “Dick” Phelan, 80, of Washington, NC, peacefully passed away on January 20, 2013 in Southlake, TX while visiting relatives. He is preceded in death by his son, Keith Edward Phelan, parents, Elmer and Karen Phelan, and his sister, Nancy Blackburn.
Richard is survived by his loving wife, Elizabeth F. “Betty” Phelan, and children, Kevin R. Phelan and wife Cyndy of Southlake, TX, Sharon P. Yakubowski and husband Rick of Washington, NC, Bryan P. Phelan and wife Kevine of Holly Springs, NC, and Sean M. Phelan and wife Tricia of Charlotte, NC; eleven grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
Richard was born May 29, 1932 in Bridgeport, CT. He received his undergraduate degree in business administration from the University of Connecticut and his MBA from the University of Bridgeport. His career focused on information technology for manufacturing companies. This led him from Connecticut to Salem, VA in 1972 and then to Washington, NC in 1979. He and Betty retired to Pamlico Plantation where they enjoyed spending time with their friends and neighbors.
Dick loved to stay active and spent countless hours gardening, woodworking and especially sailing. One of his favorite pastimes was reading and learning about history. Dick was very devoted to his family and will be greatly missed.
The funeral mass will be held on February 9, 2013 at 3 p.m. at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Washington. The family will receive friends at St. Peter’s following the service.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Richard’s name to the St. Peter’s Building Fund, PO Box 985, Washington, NC 27889; Hope Lodge, 938 Wellness Dr., Greenville, NC  27834; or Little Washington Sailing School, PO Box 1865, Washington, NC  27889.