We at the Stratford Crier were extremely saddened by the death of our friend and former Board Member, Richard Pheneger. Richard’s passion was the performing arts, and his role as editor in our arts section reflected his knowledge in that field as well.
A native of Ohio, Richard graduated from Dennison University and taught English, Radio & Television at Miami of Ohio and then Iowa State. After moving to Stratford, he was appointed Director of Public Relations & Marketing for the American Shakespeare Theatre during its heyday, working with Lynn Redgrave, Christopher Plummer, James Earl Jones, and so many other renowned actors who performed there.
He later went to New York City to serve as press representative for the Broadway comedy “Doubles”. In his words, “It took a year for me to realize commuting each day was not productive”, and he returned to head Marketing and Press for Stamford Center for the Arts Palace Theatre/Rich Forum for many years.
He served as press representative for Boston Post Road Stage Company, Downtown Cabaret, Connecticut Ballet, Candlewood Playhouse, and was General Manager/Publicity Director of Stratford’s Square One Theatre Company.
In his retirement, he continued to serve as press representative for the Square One Theatre, was the producer/co-host of the weekly State of the ARTS on WPKN-FM, and was invited to become a member of the Connecticut Critics Circle.
He is survived by Tom Holehan, his husband of 47 years, and will be missed by the many people who knew and enjoyed his genuine warmth, humor, and that rich, beautiful voice. We count ourselves among them.
Richard is missed already and always will be. He and his husband, Tom Holihan, sustained the theatre Tom and Barbara Cairney created–Square One, now in its 33rd year. It is the only theatre that was born in Stratford which is why it has lasted–and why it deserves new life now. Square One provides what only a living theatre can provide: life, right here, right now. Supporting it is a wonderful way to honor it and the valuable life of Richard Pheneger.
Dear Ted, I greatly appreciate your lovely comments. Richard was a big fan of yours, too. Bless you!
Tom
Such a great loss. My sympathies to his husband Tom.🙏🏻