NATICK: Laurence D. Chappelle, 88, of Natick and West Yarmouth, 88, died peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Wednesday, August 31, 2016 following a brief illness.
He was born in Newton on March 14, 1928 the son of the late Joseph M. Chappelle and Martha (MacDonald) Chappelle.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 66 years, Mary A. (Saunders) Chappelle of Natick. Beloved father of Adrienne L. Burns and her husband Kevin Burns of Framingham. Cherished grandfather of Meghan, Shannon, Kerry, Bridget and Terrence who all loved their “Granddaddy”. Also survived by several nieces and nephews. Brother of George Chappelle of Hyannis and the late Joseph Chappelle, Katherine Gilroy, Martha Morse and Barbara Chappelle.
Laurence was a graduate of Newman Prep High School. He served his country proudly and with honor during both World War II and the Korean Conflict with the United States Navy.
He had a 30 year career in retail at Grover Cronin in Waltham holding various positions retiring as Vice President of the store.
He has been a resident of Natick for over 60 years and spent his formative years in Newton Centre. He and his wife Mary wintered in Bradenton, Florida and spent summers in West Yarmouth. He was an avid golfer both in Florida and on the Cape and he and Mary enjoyed many cruises and traveling together. Laurence was fan of both the New England Patriots and the Boston Red Sox.
He was most proud of his wife, daughter, son-in-law and his beloved grandchildren. He will be missed by all those who had the opportunity to know this wonderful gentleman.
Visitations will be held on Monday, September 5, 2016 from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at the John C. Bryant Funeral Home, 56 Pemberton Road (Off Rte. 30), Wayland.
Family and friends may gather at the funeral home on Tuesday, September 6, 2016 at 9:15 am followed by his Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 am Good Shepherd Parish at St. Zepherin Church, 99 Main Street (Rte. 27), Wayland
Interment will follow in the Chappelle family lot in St. Zepherin Cemetery, Bent Ave, Wayland.
For those who desire his family suggests that memorial gifts in Laurence’s memory may be sent to the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation, 1359 Broadway, Suite 1509, New York, NY 10018.