The family of David C. Chapin is deeply saddened to announce his passing on June 19, 2026, at the age of 89. Born on July 6, 1936, to Arthur and Catherine Mitchell Chapin of Wellesley, MA, David was the youngest of five children. He was predeceased by his siblings, Hugh Mitchell Chapin, Barbara Chapin Dunlap, Nancy Chapin Davis, and Mary Frances Chapin Hovey.
David is survived by his wife, Cynthia E. Chapin, and his children: Stephen W. Chapin of Natick; Cindy Chapin Kuchenbecker of Wellesley; and Cameron E. Chapin of Mendham, NJ. He was adored "Buzzy" to his grandsons, Tyler M. Kuchenbecker of Brookline and Bret C. Kuchenbecker, as well as his great-grandchildren, Julia M. Kuchenbecker and Owen C. Kuchenbecker of Southborough. He also leaves behind many beloved nieces and nephews across the United States.
David graduated from Wellesley High School in 1954, and attended Dartmouth College, graduating in 1958 with a degree in Economics. He proudly served as team captain of the Dartmouth Men’s Ice Hockey team for the 1957–58 season, where he formed lifelong friendships with his teammates and fellow Dartmouth alumni. He remained an avid college hockey fan throughout his life.
His career centered around commercial real estate and real estate investments. His career began at the Niles Company in Boston for over 35 years focusing on commercial real estate. He served as a Principal of the T.H. Niles Real Estate Group, Inc. and then in 1998, founded and served as Principal of Chapin Properties Team, Ltd., a real estate investment, appraisal, consultancy and property management company. His expertise led to over 20 years on the Board of Directors at Brookline Bank and Brookline Bancorp, Inc., where he served on the Real Estate Committee, the Board of Trustees, and as Chairman of the Board Credit Committee.
David’s service to the Wellesley community included dedicating 25 years to the Wellesley Board of Assessors, frequently serving as Chairman. He was honored by the Wellesley Select Board’s Dedicated Service Award after his retirement for his expertise and leadership. He served as a director of Senior Living, Inc. in Wellesley. He also coached Wellesley town squirt hockey and Little League. He shared his experience and enthusiasm for real estate by teaching an adult education real estate course in Brookline for many years.
David will be fondly remembered by his family, colleagues, friends, neighbors, and tenants as a man of sharp intelligence, a captivating storyteller, a quick-witted humorist and a person of kindness to many. He thrived on connecting with others and has had a profound impact on so many throughout his lifetime. A celebration of life is planned in September.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his honor to:
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute: Make Memorial Gift
Friends of Dartmouth Hockey: Dartmouth Athletics Alumni