Richard Knill Chapman IV's Obituary
Richard Knill Chapman IV, 76, passed away on Tuesday, February 27, 2024 at Upstate University Hospital surrounded by the love of his family. He was born in Baltimore, MD on January 17, 1948, the first child of Richard Knill Chapman III and Erna Lowry Chapman. After calling many locations home in his early years, Rich settled in the Baldwinsville/Phoenix area on the Seneca River.
Rich found his passion working with the deaf as an ASL interpreter, becoming a beloved member of their community. Rich loved animals, particularly dogs and reptiles, keeping many as pets over the years. He enjoyed the outdoors, especially the water, which developed into an affinity for boating, motorcycles, and cars. Rich loved to travel, and his favorite trips were the ones taken with family or to visit relatives and friends. Rich was a music lover, and he was fond of hearing live music. He played guitar and was a member of several bands over the years. Rich played pickleball and table tennis, as well as being an avid viewer of professional tennis, Olympic events, and Syracuse basketball. His favorite sporting events to watch, however, were those involving his children and grandchildren. Above all else, Rich loved his family.
Rich was predeceased by his parents, his wife, Paula Chapman in January, and his grandson, Richard Knill Chapman VI in 2022.
He is survived by his children: Candace Chapman-Hanley (Jennifer), Richard Knill Chapman V (Ploysong), Alice Chapman Heffentrager (Chad “Shaggy”), Logan Chapman, and Reese Chapman; his grandchildren: Portia (Trever), Cameron, Azaria, Xavier, Asher, and Chloe; his great-grandchild: Ezra; his siblings: Carol Brown (Christopher) and Henry Chapman (Jennifer); his “brother-cousin”: Alex Beau (Cher Stepanek); his dogs: Jim and Lindy; and so many other important family and friends.
Visitation will be held from 4:00 – 6:00 P.M. with a funeral service to follow at 6:00 P.M. on Friday, March 15, 2024 at the THOMAS J. PIRRO JR. FUNERAL HOME, 3401 Vickery Rd. (corner of Buckley Rd.) North Syracuse.
In lieu of flowers, Rich would like a donation made in his honor to the American Society for Deaf Children at deafchildren.org/donate
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