Richard I. Phelps, 98, of Torrington, CT and formally a resident of Fairfield, CT for many years, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 27 at Cherry Brook Rest Home in Canton, CT. Born in New Haven, CT, he was the son of Clarence Irving Phelps and Katherine Phelps Nichols on May 17, 1925. He is predeceased by his wife, Shirley Lorraine Phelps, the love of his life. He was very loved by his daughter, Deborah Phelps and his son-in-law, Steven Shuman whom he lived with for the past three years and was especially loved by his granddaughter, Hayley Phelps. He leaves many nieces and cousins and was very close to his two nieces, Linda Eastwood and Kay Nelson. Richard was a medic in the Navy during World War II and treated many soldiers. There will be military honors at his burial. After the war, he worked as a production supervisor at Bridgeport Machine. He especially loved his dogs Terra and Westie and his cats.  Living in Torrington, he was very fond of his furry grandchildren that he found comforting in his later years. Family and friends may visit at the Redgate - Hennessy Funeral Home, Main Street and Gorham Place in Trumbull at 11:00 A.M. - 12:00 Noon on Tuesday, October 31st.  Burial with military honors will follow at Oak Lawn Cemetery in Fairfield. To send online condolences please visit www.redgatehennessy.com