Keith McCarthy Phelps

Keith McCarthy Phelps, 59, of Lorton, Virginia passed away on Thursday, June 29, 2023, after a brave battle with cancer. He leaves behind his wife and soulmate Maria Manno and adored children Beck and Kara Phelps; his siblings Mary Michelle “Midge”, Craig and Erin, his brothers in-law Peter, Paul and Phil Manno, sister-in-law Carla Manno and mother-in-law Flora. Keith was as much a part of the Manno family as the Phelps’ and loved as a son and brother by all. He cherished his large extended family including aunts and uncles, nieces and nephews, grand nieces and nephews, and cousins. Keith was predeceased by his beloved mother, Kathleen Phelps, his older brother Brian, nephew Joshua and by his father Mitchell Phelps.

Keith was born in Fairfax Virginia and lived his early childhood in Brownwood Texas. He moved to Annandale, Virginia with his family in 1975, when he was 11. There he met many of his lifelong friends and attended Annandale High School. In 9th grade he met Maria, the love of his life and they started a love story that will continue forever. Together they travelled extensively before adding their children, Beck and Kara, to their lives. These two lit up Keith’s world and he was a devoted dad and role model for his children he loved so much. Keith was a true family man, putting everyone else before himself and finding every opportunity to get family together. He was a driving force behind family reunions in Virginia and was happiest around those he loved.

Keith was a man of many talents and interests, especially fishing and photography. He could spend hours kayaking and fishing on the nearby Occoquan, catching and releasing fish while swapping the fishing pole for his camera once sunset arrived. He enjoyed the simple pleasures of being with nature and saw the beauty in his surroundings, often telling others to look and notice some special detail they would not have otherwise seen.

After a variety of business ventures, Keith started his own wedding photography company. He could be seen beaming behind the camera as he always said he wanted to be a part of the happiest day of people’s lives. When he wasn’t at weddings or caring for his children, he was full of never-ending improvement projects for his own home or for others. Maria often called him “McGyver” as he could figure out a way to rig up or fix just about anything, even if no one had tried it before. He loved to surprise the family with the next idea he could turn into reality. He was as comfortable with a hammer and his construction jeans as he was dancing in a tux.

Many of his friends called Keith their “best”. Together they shared great adventures, bringing laughter decades later. His friends always knew he stood by them to defend and support them in any time of need. His compassion and sense of honor were driving forces. He was simply a good man to the core. Anyone who met Keith could immediately see his kindness and remembers his smile and soothing voice. He had a rich collection of stories and anecdotes he told with a twinkle in his eye that captivated those around him. Keith’s optimism and interest in people made him able to engage with just about anyone in an instant. He had a larger-than-life personality that touched your heart and made you feel loved.

His finest role was his last and longest - creating a loving family with Maria, Beck and Kara. He cherished his family and would do anything to fill the house with joy and love. He could make everything ok with one hug or his famous “family” hugs. Our hearts break with the loss of Keith and our world will never be the same. We are comforted by the outpouring of love and memories that have already been shared by those whose lives were touched by Keith. He will be with us always. We look forward to sharing our love of Keith and memories with family and friends and have the following memorial plans:

Visitation to be held at Demaine Funeral Home, July 13 4-8 PM, 5308 Backlick Road, Springfield, VA 22151.

Service to be held at the First Baptist Church of Springfield, July 14, at 11 AM, 7300 Gary St.,Springfield, VA 22150.

A Celebration of Life lunch will follow at the RiverView at Occoquan Regional Park, 9751 Ox Road, Lorton, VA 22079.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Keith’s name to:

C.A.S.T for Kids Foundation (www://castforkids.org), 2755 Commercial St. SE, Suite 101, Salem, OR 97302. (Enriching the lives of Children with Special Needs Through Fishing)

Or

Wounded Warrior Project (www://woundedwarriorproject.org), 4899 Belfort Road Suite 300, Jacksonville, Fl. 32256. (To honor and empower wounded warriors to be successful in civilian life)