Age 67 of Wilmington passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, September 20, 2014 at Christiana Hospital while surrounded by his family.Tony was born in Sparta, WI, the son of Kathleen (Davies) and the late Kenneth Phelps. He graduated from Newark High School (1965), the Pennsylvania Institute of Technology, and the University of Houston. He started off his career as a draftsmen for Hercules, and spent most of his career as a project engineer at ICI Americas, SPI Polyols, Uniqema, and Astrazeneca where he retired in 2013. Tony was a little league baseball coach in the Midway and Newark Little Leagues and he also coached softball. A devout Catholic, Tony was a member of St. John the Beloved Church, where he served as a Eucharistic Minister, taught CCD classes, served in the church RCIA program and was a member of the parish's Knights of Columbus. In addition to his father, he was predeceased by his step-father, Dr. Milton Taves.Tony is survived by his wife of 44 years, Kathleen (Looney) Phelps; his sons, Matthew of Wilmington and Mark and his wife, Adrienne of Rehoboth Beach; his daughter, Meghan Buehler and her husband, William of New Castle and his two beloved granddaughters, Taylor and Aubrey. Also surviving are his mother, Kathleen Taves of Hockessin; his brothers, Richard and his wife, Gail of Midlothian, VA, and David of Amelia, VA; and his sister and her husband, Barbara and Jeff Chambers of Elkton, MD. Tony leaves behind and will also be missed by his many nephews, nieces, cousins, friends, and other family he loved dearly. Tony was known for his humorous approach to life. You could never catch him without a smile and always had an entertaining story to share. He loved to golf and to cheer on his Philadelphia sports teams. One of the last words he said to his sons, were, "Yeah buddy, fly Eagles fly." He especially loved his yearly trips to the Carolina beaches with his wife, Kathy, who he affectionately called "Kate." Tony brought joy to all who knew him. He was always as energetic and positive as anyone could be. He will be missed dearly by all who knew and loved him. A viewing will be held at the MEALEY FUNERAL HOME, 2509 Limestone Road on Thursday evening from 6 to 8 PM, where friends are invited to pay their respects. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday morning at 10:30 AM at St. John the Beloved Church, 907 Milltown Road, Wilmington, DE 19808. Burial will be in All Saints Cemetery, Wilmington. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to St. John the Beloved Church at the above address. MealeyFuneralHomes.com (302) 652-5913