About Andrew Phelps
Andrew Phelps is a WBUR reporter and the host of Hubbub, a new blog about Boston.
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My father is dead at 47
My father died this morning.
Almost two months ago, he was diagnosed with a rare and terrible cancer. He had a major operation to remove the tumor at UCSD Thornton Hospital last Wednesday. It was successful. Surgeons had to cut out his left lung, his diaphragm, and a sack attached to his heart.
His recovery seemed miraculous, and doctors reduced his hospital-recovery time by half on only the second day.
Last night, however, he suddenly had trouble breathing. An infection in his lung rapidly spread throughout his body, disabling his respiratory, cardiovascular, and electrical systems. In less than 12 hours, Rich Phelps — a healthy, strong, 47-year-old — was dead. He passed away at about 8:30 a.m. I was holding his hand and praying when he died.
I am shattered.
Dad
38 Comments on ‘My father is dead at 47’
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Andrew,David, Nancy,
Jo and I are shocked at the news. I can still hear Rich’s voice. Rich was a pure man. True to his family and everything that surrounded it. His focus was on taking care of his family. Rich was a gentle, honest devoted man. I will never forget him and am shattered at his passing.
I think what would Rich say. He would say, be strong and move on with your life. He would want the best for you all. He always did. Rich was strong and vibrent. He lived what he preched.
Our prayers are with you all.
Tom & Jo Lux
That’s terrible news. I’m deeply sad for you and your family, Andrew. I don’t know what else to say, but my thoughts are with you.
to the phelps family -
we are deeply saddened by your terrible loss, we can only hope and pray that your family is given the incredible strength needed to get through this trying time. we are ready as a family to help in any way possible.
God bless you,
the toulon family
Phelps family,
I am terribly sorry for the news that I recieved today. Rich was a great man full of honesty and integrity. My prayers are with your family. The bible says that to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. I believe that he is in a better place and I thank God that he did not have to suffer. David you know you are my boy and I am always here for you and your family, I love ya bro. Nancy be sttong and stay encouraged. Andrew and David be there for moms.
Prayerfully yours,
Coach “D” and family
I heard the bad news. David is a friend of mine, and as I have learned over the passed year and a half, losing a loved one is by far the worst thing any young boy/man should have to go through. No matter how bad it gets, or how hard it is to go on, all you can do in reality is to do that exactly…Keep living. Take advantage of every moment you have, make your father proud, and carry on. I am deeply sorry to hear the news, and hope all goes by as smoothly as possible.
Joey
Nancy, David, Andrew,
Your family has served as support system in my life for the last 13 years. Your stability integrity and combined humor always gave your house this indescribable vibe just by pulling into the driveway. I can’t imagine what you guys are going through right now, but I am positive that the three of your unique yet different strengths will come through to make this time easier. Nancy you have always been a strong woman and a mother figure to me and I know that if anyone can get through this it is you. I will definitely miss Rich’s quarky and litehearted attitude. My fondest memory of him was at the dinner table and his persistance in passing the food counterclockwise. Even when I did it the wrong way Nancy would laugh and he would never get angry or upset. I love you all so much and I hope that I can be there for you the way that you have consistently been there for me.
Andrew,
My family’s thoughts and prayers are with you and yours. If you need anything, don’t hesitate to let me know. Know that there’s a whole cadre of people here for you.
I don’t have the words. Not that they would help. But, I am very sorry for your loss. I will be thinking of you night and day. We are all here for you.
Donnie
Hey Andrew! Although we only see one another on rare occasions, rushing in and out of the Telescope…I just want you to know I was thinking about you.
I wish you and your family all the best!
If there is anything I can do…at school to help out… so you don’t fall behind or go insane, just ask. I live on campus these days, so I am here to help if you need a buddy.
Everyone misses you!
your pal,
S
That is horrible. I am so sorry, Andrew. Your family is in my thoughts. Let me know if there is anything at all I can do for you.
Andrew- It is 6 am on Wed. morning and the only thing I want to do is drive over to your house, climb in bed next to you, hug you and tell you in person how deeply sorry I feel for you.
I could’t imagin and can only hope that you and your family take every day in stride, with eachother as support.
The only thing I can say, is that I truely believe that god only presents us with things that he feels we are strong enough to handle. Everyone’s mission in life is different. Everyone must face their own challenges in order for them to grow into the person they are ment to be.
You are one of the most courageous and passionate people that I know- you must use this as another facet to build your compassion and character with.
One more thing…during your moments of morning, please remember to celebrate the life of your father, like I am sure he would have liked you to.
I send my love and support.
Chanel
Terrible news Andrew. I am so sorry. Deepest condolences to you and your family.
Andrew,David and Nancy,
My heart and prayers are with you. Richard’s love for is family and friends were a true blessing and a guiding light for all of us to follow. I truly will miss his beautiful present during cross country and track workouts. His support has made me a better coach and the love that he had displayed towards his family, has made me a better family man. I feel truly blessed to have known him. Richard you will always be a part of my life and the life of Longhorn Track and cross country.
May God Bless you always,
Coach Hall
Andrew,
I’m so sorry to hear your sad news. You hang in there. I hope your grief can be mitigated by hope and support and memories of happy times.
All the best to you in such a dark time,
Tom
hey andrew it’s ryan c. asia’s friend…the one that used 2 work @ in n out. hey man…im here for you. nothing in this world can replace a father. god bless your father. he’s in heaven smiling upon u and your family. keep your head up phelps.carry his last name and all the memories your guys shared…fuck man. i dont know what to say. im really feeling for you right now. im praying.
Ryan Cabal
To the Phelps family,
You guys have always been my second family and Rich was like a dad to me in many ways. It seemed like he cared for me as much as his own family. I remember snowboarding in Utah in the middle of a snowstorm and my goggles fogged up so I was blind. Rich went down the entire mountain with me to make sure I was alright. He took me to my first concert, first trip snowboarding and many other things I could have never done otherwise; things that any father would have done for his own son. I want to say thank you to you to Nancy and hope that if there is anything you need from me, my mom, or grandma we are there. RIP Dicky Boy
Phelps famliy,
coach phelps was like a second father to me, he did so many things for me that he didnt have to do. I had so many memories with him, rich promised me that if he found these shoes i liked that he would buy them for me, and everytime we saw each other he would tell me that he is still looking for the shoes.I have known him for about 6 years and he encouraged me for 6 years to keep running. the one thing i will never forget about him is that he would tell the team ” I run like an animal, and smell like a horse” i will keep those words in my heart for the rest of my life. David,nancy(mother), andrew from the mena family we send our prayers and love towards you.
Mark “otis” Mena
Dear Andrew, my heartfelt sympathy goes out to you and yours at this time of great sadness. Donnie speaks of you often and I feel as if I know you personally.May your Dad rest in peace. May the comfort of family and friends help you through this sorrow. Warmest wishes to you all.. Jill Boyle
The Phelps Family,
I know none of you know me but I am very sorry to hear this. I know how hard it is to loose someone very close, I recently also lost my father about a week ago. My prayers are with you.
~Kimberly Boteler~
i am so sorry. my prayers are with you and the rest of your family.
To the Phelps,
My prayers go out. Your dad was so supportive to the running team at RBV. He coached us on his own time. He even fed us and gave us Cytomax. There is a time for lauging and a time for mourning. Keep looking up.
Andrew, Nancy & David –
I would just like to send my deepest regrets for your loss of Rich. I was telling Dana that I wish I could do something. Please let me know if there is anything that we can do to help you in this trying time.
We Love you,
Susan + Dana, Blake & Elliott
Dear Phelps Family,
From Nancy offering me my first job opportunity, back to when Andrew built me the computer I am typing this message from, your family has been a big part of my life. I always felt at home when I was at the house, and have countless memories there. Never have I seen family of such genuinely nice people. I am deeply sorry along with the rest of my family. If there is anything at all you need, don’t hesitate to call us.
Our prayers go out to you,
Kevin
My favorite conversation that I had with your dad was about our business plans for the cafe. I was suprised at how supportive he was and flattered that he believed in our hopeful undertaking. I’ve always thought he was so cool for that.
Nancy, Andrew, and David,
We are deeply saddened by the news. Your family has meant so much to Kevin. We always felt good about him spending so much time at your house. I feel as though we’ve been raising our boys together. I’ll never forget Rich getting into his car to look for Kevin when I couldn’t find him. Nancy, I’ll always remember our talks about our boys (husbands included) on our trips to the mountains. We are thinking about you so much and know that the strength of your family will get you through. Our love and prayers are with you.
Dan, Peggy, Kevin and Sarah Bellock
Nancy,David & Andrew
I did not know your father well, only saw him briefly at the RBV races but he always had a smile,was always encouraging everyone who was running and had such a passion for running it spread to everyone. My heart is saddened for your loss. I pray for strength for all of you that will help you get through the hard times.
God bless you and comfort you!
Robyn Larison (taylors mom)
Phelps Family,
We are so deeply saddened by your loss. It has been such a pleasure to have known Rich during all the Roadrunner and RBV track meets. In times like these, we are reminded of memorable events, and hope that sharing our memory will bring your family comfort.
We remember fondly the excitement in Rich’s voice when David won the All-American trophy in Reno. The pride in his eyes was electric as he showed us the Horse statue. But it wasn’t just the pride in his son’s accomplishments that gleemed in his eyes, but a testament to how great a father’s love can be.
We hope that these words will help to make sense of this loss…
God saw he was tired,
and the cure was not to be,
so He put his arms around him
and whispered ,
“Rich come to Me”
with tearful eyes God watched,
as you
saw him pass away.
Although you loved him dearly,
God could not let him stay.
A golden heart stopped beating,
hard working hands at rest,
God broke your hearts to prove
to you,
He only takes the best.
God Bless the Phelps Family
Juan, Carmela, Gabriel, Andrew and Christopher Cornejo
david…i’m sooo sorry to hear about ur dad!! that really sux that it happend….i hope that u and ur family do well after this….
Andrew, I am so sorry to hear about your father. I never got to know him very well, but from what I hear from my mom, brother, and others, he was quite the honorable man. He was young, but he didn’t go without leaving his mark. He left behind 2 sons that i am sure he is very proud of. I hope you are doing ok, and my family offers their condolences. Our thoughts are with you…
Jeff Murico
Andrew,
I know it has been a long time since we have spoke, but I just wanted to offer my condolences and I know it wont be easy to cope with a loss like this, so I wish you all the strength.
Eric Jaeger
Rich made me laugh. He was very kind and always made me feel welcomed in the Phelps’ household. Iloved dinner with him, his incredible sense of humor and how he lived.
The Phelps family means the world to me. My heart is with you.
I laughed so much around Rich. He had a way of making you smile, and always made me feel so comfortable at the Phelps’ household. I loved dinners with him, his sense of hummor and the way he lived.
The Phelps family means the world to me. My heart is with you.
Browsing sites from San Diego Bloggers and I ran across yours. I am so very sorry about your father. I bet he was a wonderful man and here, you’ve created such a beautiful tribute to him.
Andrew, I just recently learned about your father’s death. I knew Rich is business and met with him as recently as June, 2004. I was shocked to hear of his passing. Rich helped me pick a paint for our product line when he was with Ellis. We still use that paint today. He also golfed with me as my playing partner on two occasions at my company golf tournament. I have a picture of him and I at the tournament. I know Rich was very proud of you. He talked of you often. Your father was a good man and a very honest man…that’s not something you can find in common with people in business. I saw the memorial video…it’s great. My prayers are with you Andrew. Take heart in what I say. Your father is with God!!!
Dear All ,
I am Gabriel , I never met You and I never met your dad either -
I don’t know how I ended up on your website BUT . . .
I ‘ve started reading most of what’s in here and I am very touched . . .
What a Guy your father must have been . . .
God Bless You . . .
Truly
Gabriel Parisi
Andrew-
I know that this happened a while ago….and I know I haven’t talked to you in even longer…..but I just came across your website and started reading and it captivated me. You are an amazing writer, but even more, an amazing person. You have an incredible outlook on life. You are a very strong, good person. I am so sorry for your loss, and I hope you continue to become stronger every day.
to the phelps family –
we are deeply saddened by your terrible loss, we can only hope and pray that your family is given the incredible strength needed to get through this trying time. we are ready as a family to help in any way possible.
God bless you,
the toulon family
I am so so sorry to hear of Richard's passing. I went to high school with him in Naples, Italy (class of 1975); he was quite the runner as a teenager. We all have very fond memories of that boy! Godspeed Richard. And to his family–he turned out to be everything he was as a boy, he was so well liked and respected. The grief must be overwhelming and unimaginable. I cannot imagine the sadness and sense of numbness and shock.