LACONIA ---- Mr. William ‘Chappy’ Chapman, 81, of Laconia passed away peacefully after a sudden illness on Monday, November 20, 2023.
Born June 26, 1942, in Norwich, CT, William was the son of the late Marie M. (Deans) Chapman and Herbert D. Chapman.
William was raised and educated in Belmont. Before school each day, at the age of 9 years old, he worked with Leo Leclerc of Laconia who had a farm. William delivered milk and eggs to residents. He was known as the “pint sized” milkman and dressed in an outfit of a milkman. He continued to work on Mr. Leclerc’s farm until 1964 when he entered the Army for 3 years, serving a one-year tour in Vietnam as a radio operator in an armed helicopter. He wore his veteran’s baseball cap with pride everywhere he went.
When William returned from the Army, he worked for Gilbert Construction, the Town of Meredith and W.F. Richards & Sons Construction, all within the Lakes Region for over 50 years as a heavy equipment operator.
William met his wife Pam on a blind date that lasted 55 years. He enjoyed the outdoors and working in his workshop. Every Tuesday he enjoyed shopping for collectible items at a variety of stores with his wife and special friends. He loved finding a “bargain.”
No one was a stranger to “Chappy”. He easily became friends with the workers/owners of places he frequented. Dairy Queen and The Soda Shoppe held a special place in his heart. He loved giving people hugs and always said that hugs will make you feel good. He also loved animals.
He loved and had so many special friends that cared for him. He was there for anyone that needed him. He was everybody’s favorite “Uncle Bill.”
He is survived by his wife Pamela Chapman (Plastridge) Laconia, son Robert A. Chapman of Belmont, brother and sister-in-law Nathan H. Chapman and Arline M. Chapman of Allenstown, many nieces and nephews, grand nieces and nephews and godchildren. In addition to his parents, William is predeceased by his sisters Doris Makely, Martha Tasker and Mary (Russo) Rose.
Graveside services will be held Saturday, July 13, 2024 at 11 a.m. at Bayside Cemetery, 1346 Union Ave., Laconia, NH; followed by a Celebration of Life at the Conference Center at Blueberry Lane, 35 Blueberry Lane, Laconia, NH.
In accordance with his wishes, donations can be made to the NH Humane Society, PO Box 572, Laconia, NH 03247, or to the Granite VNA Hospice House, 30 Pillsbury Street, Concord, NH 03301.
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services/603Cremations.com, 164 Pleasant St., Laconia, NH, 03246 is assisting the family with arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial, please visit wilkinsonbeane.com.