CHESHIRE - Richard H. Chapman "Chappy" passed away peacefully the morning of August 16 at home surrounded by family. He was the husband of the late Patricia "Patty" (Nygard) Chapman. He lived 80 wonderful years.
Richard was born December 28, 1936 to Roger and Katherine Chapman. He was predeceased by his brothers Roger Jr. and Robert “Bob”. He was a lifelong resident of Cheshire and graduated Cheshire High School. He inherited his family farm and was a passionate chicken farmer for most of his life. He passed his farming skills down to his children and grandchildren. He was a lifelong snow plow driver for Cheshire Schools and due to his help from The Farmers Almanac, Cheshire kept snow days to a minimum.
Richard enjoyed spending his time with family, friends, visiting his farm in New York, and cheering on his grandkids from the side lines. He loved spending his mornings at One Stop Convenience Store socializing and debating with friends. Going out to eat and to Dunkin Donuts with friends like Norm Morrison and Jerry O'Donnell always made his day. He had a great sense of humor and enjoyed passing along stories from his younger rambunctious days to everyone who would listen, especially his grandchildren. There aren't enough words to properly describe Richard, but to know him was to love him, and he was known to many.
Richard is survived by his children; Richard Chapman Jr. and his wife Carol of Canajoharie, Sandra Beyerle and her husband Paul of Cheshire, Gunnar Chapman Sr. and his wife Kathleen of Cheshire, and Heidi White and her husband Kevin of Cheshire. He is also survived by his grandchildren; Colton, Patricia, Ty, and Gwendolynn White, Rhiannon, Christian, and Faith Beyerle, Gunnar Chapman Jr. and Katherine Chapman, and Sara Chapman. He is also survived by several step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren. Beyond these blood relatives, he was known as Papa to many kids in town and was a second father to countless others. Through his family, and many friends he treated as family, his legacy will live on. He now joins his soul mate, Patty, in heaven.
Arrangements – Funeral services will be held on Tuesday August 22, 2017 at 11 am at the First Congregational Church of Cheshire, 111 Church Dr. Burial will follow in Cheshire Hillside Cemetery. Calling hours will be held on Monday from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Alderson-Ford Funeral Home of Cheshire, 615 S. Main St. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 825 Brook St., Rocky Hill, CT 06067.