Phelps Hobart

1940 - 2025

Phelps Hobart died at home on October 29th, at peace and ready for the next chapter. Phelps felt proud that he succeeded in reaching his 85th birthday, despite melanoma and heart issues.

Phelps will be remembered for his independent spirit, wry humor, and commitment to public service. As an adolescent he earned enough from collecting walnuts in his hometown of Chico, CA, to buy himself a black leather jacket when "Rebel Without A cause" swept the movie theaters. At rustic Midland School in the Ojai Valley, Phelps industriously chopped enough wood for other boys to rely on him for hot water for showers. At Cal Poly, he took on leadership of his fraternity house.

After graduation, he married JoAnn McAllister of Fullerton,, CA, and launched a career in the Sea Services – Navy, Coast Guard, Merchant Marines. Phelps became a Supply Corps officer in the Navy, reaching the rank of Lieutenant prior to being separated during the force reduction after the Vietnam War. Phelps and JoAnn were active in Audubon, hiked the Appalachian Trail, and filled their home with jazz and classical music. Years later, Phelps married Vena "Teddy" Janoe, originally of Baker City, Oregon, and served as a leader in the Sacramento Navy League. He became a National Director Emeritus of the U.S. Navy League, supported ROTC youth, and served as 1st Vice Commander at American Legion Post 391. Together, Phelps and Teddy volunteered in the Sacramento Symphony League, Opera Association, St Paul's Episcopal Church. Trinity Lutheran Church, and many charitable causes. Their love of travel took them to Asia, the Caribbean, South America, Europe, the South Sea islands, and the Middle East.

Born in Santa Barbara to Helen (née Phelps) and Lewis Deming Hobart, Phelps became a loyal and protective brother of his little sister Helen. He admired his ancestor pioneers and their history of arriving in Cape Cod in the 1700's and in Sacramento in 1850. He had a special connection with his maternal grandmother, Edith Catlin Phelps, an artist of note, his devoted aunt Elizabeth Phelps, and his paternal grandfather, Lewis Parsons Hobart, principal architect of Grace Cathedral. He is survived by his sister Helen Deming Hobart; nieces Phelps (Kevin) and Phoebe (Julian) Feeley and their children Fianna, Josie, and Ace; first wife JoAnn McAllister; Teddy's family; and dear friend Amber Tolbert.

A Memorial Service will be held on Monday, January 5, 2026, at 2 p.m., at St Paul's Episcopal Church at 15th and J Streets, Sacramento. Phelps loved the music and historical organ at St Paul's; in lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Music Fund at St. Paul's, or to a charity that supports the great outdoors.