Patrick Joseph Phelps

Patrick Joseph Phelps, 72, of North Beach, Maryland, passed away on August 6, 2026, at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born on June 28, 1954, in Washington, D.C., to Evalyn Marie (Herrity) and James Francis Phelps. Patrick grew up in White Plains, Maryland, attended school at Archbishop Neal School in La Plata, and Thomas Stone High School in Waldorf. Following high school, Pat worked various odd jobs while earning his welding certification and then going on to work as an independent welding contractor. Pat took great pride in his work and in owning his own business. He especially enjoyed mentoring those who worked alongside him, generously sharing his knowledge, skills, and experience with others.

He moved to Calvert County in 1985, and on April 12, 1986, married the love of his life, Denise Frances Ondrish. Together they built a life filled with family, good friends, and many cherished memories. Pat’s talents extended beyond welding as he also had a passion for carpentry. He built his family home in North Beach with the help of his brothers in 1993. Among his many projects, Pat also built his wife, Denise, a butterfly enclosure and helped her raise butterflies for several years. This reflected his loving, thoughtful nature and the care he put into everything he created.

Above all, Pat was a devoted husband, a proud father of five, and a loving Pop-Pop to his three grandchildren. He treasured his time with his family and found his greatest joy in being surrounded by the people he loved the most. In his free time, he could be found playing poker with his dear friends and brothers, occasionally making a trip to the nearest casino (Pat was known to have the proverbial ‘Luck of the Irish’). Earlier in his life, he loved the sport of billiards and became quite the expert. He loved tinkering with vehicles and anything else he could take apart to learn how to put back together. He enjoyed fishing with his brothers, coaching baseball and basketball, and supporting his children at their many different sports practices and games.

Patrick is survived by his beloved wife, Denise Ondrish Phelps; his children, Patrick “PJ” Phelps, Jr., Lauren Pamela Phelps, David Michael Phelps, Justin Patrick Phelps, and Ryan Joseph Phelps; daughter-in-law, Tracie Erin Phelps; grandchildren, Oliver Patrick Phelps, Asher Jameson Phelps, and Lucie Elizabeth Phelps; siblings James “Buddy” Phelps (Paula), Mary Claire Phelps Stanish (Tony), Michael “Mickey” Phelps (Lowry), Chris Phelps (Lynn), Tim Phelps (Veronica), and Steve Quinn, as well as his many nieces and nephews. Patrick was preceded in death by his parents, James and Evalyn Phelps, and brother, Dennis Phelps.

Pat will be remembered mostly for his strong work ethic and willingness to lend a hand to those in need, his sense of humor, his laugh, and the countless memories he created along the way. He will be deeply missed and forever loved by his family and all who had the privilege of knowing him.