Search by Name

Search by Name

FUNERAL HOME

Pistey Funeral Home

2611 Main Street

Stratford, Connecticut

Richard Pheneger Obituary

Richard P. Pheneger
Richard P. Pheneger, 85, of Stratford Connecticut, beloved husband of Tom Holehan, passed away peacefully on November 4, 2024.
He was born in Granville, Ohio the son of Herman and Theresa Pheneger. He graduated from Dennison University and taught English, Radio & Television at Miami of Ohio and then Iowa State. In the late 1970s he moved to Stratford where he was appointed Director of Public Relations & Marketing for the American Shakespeare Theatre. His years at the late theatre were most rewarding working with such acclaimed talents as Lynn Redgrave, Christopher Plummer and James Earl Jones among many others. In the mid-1980s he accepted a position at the Stamford Center for the Arts where he headed Marketing and Press for many years before retiring in 1995. He was the General Manager/Publicity Director of Stratford's Square One Theatre Company since 1990.
He is survived by his husband of 47 years, Tom Holehan, as well as a brother Don Pheneger, cousins Susan Hand and Molly Roberts and nephews, Don and Doug Pheneger. The Holehan family also considered Richard a brother and much-loved member of their family.
Funeral services are private and a memorial service is in the planning stages. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Richard's name to the Stratford Library, 2203 Main Street, Stratford, CT.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Stamford Advocate on Nov. 8, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for Richard Pheneger

Sponsored by Pistey Funeral Home.

Not sure what to say?





Mary Harris-Duvall

August 19, 2025

I remember working with you and your husband Tom at the American Shakespeare Theatre.
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.

Sherry Cohen

November 22, 2024

Dear Tom,
I was so shocked and saddened to learn of Richard's passing. I'd known him professionally for more than 30 years and always thought highly of him. He will be missed by so many people. May his memory be a blessing forever.
Sherry Shameer Cohen

Valerie Richardson

November 22, 2024

Richard was a beloved member of the WPKN programming community, where his "State of the Arts" program (co-hosted by Peggy Nelson) was a staple of our Friday noontime hour for decades. Richard brought an amazing array of artists, musicians, and theater professionals to our airwaves along with stories from his own vast experience in the field.

We were shocked and saddened at news of his death and send deepest condolences to Tom and the other members of Richard's family.

Valerie Richardson
General Manager
WPKN, 89.5 FM

Rose Lodice

November 19, 2024

Tom, so very sorry for your loss. May your memories be a blessing.

Guy Rocco

November 15, 2024

My sincerest condolences on Richard´s passing Tom. My best to you & your family

Robert Roche

November 12, 2024

Tom, I am so sorry to hear about Richard´s passing. God bless you both!

Lucy

November 9, 2024

Always sweet "Phenny" to me, and I his "Lucille".

Leigh Katz

November 9, 2024

My dearest condolences Tom . My heart is with you and the family

Matthew Catalano

November 9, 2024

My deepest condolences to Tom and Richard's family. One of the nicest guys I've known. A treasure of the theater community. RIP my friend.

Charlotte T. Matthews

November 8, 2024

So sorry to learn of Richard's passing. He brought a world of entertainment to our area, Blessings to all, So very sincerely......

Showing 1 - 10 of 10 results

Make a Donation
in Richard Pheneger's name

Memorial Events
for Richard Pheneger

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Pistey Funeral Home

2611 Main Street, Stratford, CT 06615

How to support Richard's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Richard Pheneger's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more