Richard A. Phelon

1942 - 2022

It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the passing of Richard A. Phelon, of Biloxi, MS, on Friday August 19, 2022, at the age of 80. The son of the late Richard T. and Marjorie (Sheldon) Phelon, Richard was born on June 4, 1942, and was raised in West Suffield, CT. Richard embraced every opportunity, and it wasn't long before his career had him traveling across the US making many lifelong friends along the way. Most notably he worked for Hospital Laundry Services (HLS) in Chicago, IL starting as Director of Engineering and moved up the ranks to Executive Vice President. Later he accepted the role as Vice President of Operations of Gulf Coast Laundry Services in Gulfport, MS where much of his work was spent rebuilding the business in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina before he retired. Richard had a passion for fast cars, he was an accomplished member of the P & G Racing Team that would race stock cars in the Sportsman Division at the Riverside Speedway in Agawam, MA; he was a proud member of the Gulf Coast Corvette Club, participating in annual Cruisin' the Coast events taking home many trophies throughout his years. After receiving a special invitation, Richard proudly displayed his 50th Anniversary Corvette at the National Corvette Museum. He was a beloved father, grandfather, son, brother, and friend. Richard's family were the pride and joy of his life. The legacy of Richard's kind spirit, passion for cars, love of reading, and zest for life will live on through them. He will be lovingly remembered by his three children, Steven Phelon and his wife, Sandy of Granby, CT, Kathleen Brooks and her husband Alan of Southwick, MA; Zachary Phelon of Blue Hill, ME; a granddaughter, Megan Phelon of Granby, CT; a sister, Eleanor James; his beloved partner of 25 years, Patricia Verzak; his previous spouses Patricia Renaudette and Diana Slater-Jones. He was predeceased by a sister, Peggy Wright, and her husband Roderick. He was a rare combination of someone who had a love of life and a firm understanding of what was important - the simplicity of living a life with those you love. His family will receive friends on Thursday, August 25, 2022, from 5-8 PM at Nicholson & Carmon Funeral Home, 443 East St. N. (Rt. 159), Suffield. Funeral services will be held on Friday, August 26, 2022, at 11:00 AM at West Suffield Congregational Church, 1408 Mountain Rd., West Suffield followed by burial in West Suffield Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Alzheimer's Foundation of America, 322 8th Ave, 16th Floor, New York, NY 10001. To leave on-line condolences please visit www.carmonfuneralhome.com