GEORGE E. CHAPMAN JR.

BANGOR – George E. Chapman Jr., 81, was brought into this world April 22, 1927, with a purpose. His purpose was to be the patriarch, the beacon of hope, the source of encouragement, which in his lifetime he truly accomplished. The impact that the blue eyed “Chappy” had on each and every person he encountered will carry with them throughout their lives, in hopes that they will pass that on, as Daddy did to all. He died unexpectedly Sept. 26, 2008, surrounded by loving family and dear friends, at a local hospital. He was the son of George E. Chapman Sr. and Mary F. (Cleaves) Chapman. George attended Bangor parochial and public schools and completed his high school education while serving in the military. He also attended Husson College. He was a World War II and Korean War veteran, having joined the U.S. Sea Bees in 1945, and transferring to the U.S. Navy the following year. He proudly served as a boatswain mate 2 aboard the USS Bristol DD 857 and retired from the Navy in 1954. During his military service, he was awarded the Korean Service Medal with 2 bronze stars; two Navy Silver Life-Saving crosses; Navy Occupation Service Medal for Asia and Europe service; World War II Victory Medal; American Campaign Medal; National Defense Service Medal; United Nations Service Medal; China Service Medal; Republic of Korea Presidential Foreign Citation; and Honorable service recognition. He always wore his St. Christopher’s and quietly held onto his deep faith. George was a third degree Knights of Columbus. He was a loyal member of the USS Bristol Association, as well as Disabled American Veterans Association, Bangor Lions Club, VFW and Fraternal Order of Eagles. George loved to dance, plant his vegetable garden and spend time with his daughters, grandchildren, family and friends at his camp on Fields Pond, Orrington. He delighted in telling stories of his life’s adventures, which wonderfully became more entertaining as years passed. He fondly remembered a special 70th birthday gift, a Reba McIntyre concert with a backstage meeting, pictures and an autographed cap from his favorite country singer. He operated several successful businesses and was the original owner of Tri-City Pizza. He owned Slims Trucking, Modern Steam Extraction Co. and co-owned Modern Cleaners and Dyers. George operated a large custodial company and for many years was the exclusive cleaning contractor for Dow Air Force Base and the law firm of Eaton, Peabody, Bradford and Veague. He is survived by “his bride,” Chickie Chapman, the mother of the three lights of his life; his daughters, Toni C. Moleon, Terri-Lynn Hall and Tina-Lou Lufkin; and by two caring sons-in-law, Ralph L. Hall and Dan H. Lufkin. He was a beloved “Papa” to his grandchildren, R. David Moleon, Courtney-Lynn Donnelly, Blake A. Lufkin, Grant M. Lufkin, Anna D. Lufkin, Josh M. Hall and Andrea H. Baker. He is survived by his sisters, Anne Kearns, Fay DePhilippo, Barbara Gaudet, Georgia Speed, Gay Cram, Gail Walker, Vickie Wright, Darlene Petrakovich and Nanette Searway; and by two brothers, Mike Chapman and David Chapman. He loved his many nieces and nephews. He especially spent very happy times with his nephews, John E. Burns III, James “Jim” Burns, Joseph “Joey” Burns, Jeffrey A. Burns, James “Jimmy” Kearns Jr. and Phil Chapman; Jr. and his nieces, Nikki Thomas and Lori Kearns. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by brothers, Timothy Chapman, Robert Chapman, Philip Chapman Sr. and Gary Chapman; and sisters, Katherine “Kay” Clifford, Shirley White and Mary “Betty” Vanidestine. George touched the lives of so many people. He was a caring man and was the first to “jump in” when anyone needed help. It’s impossible to mention all of Chappy’s countless family and friends with whom he shared many good times. Please know that we remember and he remembers. The family especially thanks John and Cindy Skidgell for their special friendship throughout the last several years. The family extends their warmest appreciation to the emergency room, intensive care unit staff at Eastern Maine Medical Center and the Bangor paramedics who transported Daddy, for their incredible care and concern during his time of need. Friends may call 5-8 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 30, at Brookings-Smith, 133 Center St., Bangor, where funeral services will be held 2 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 1, with the Rev. Timothy J. Nadeau officiating. Interment will be immediately after at Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Bangor, with full military honors. Daddy’s girls invite family and friends to share conversation and refreshments immediately after the interment at Brookings-Smith Family Center, 163 Center St., Bangor. A celebration of our daddy’s life will be held at a later date. Condolences to the family may be expressed at www.BrookingsSmith.com.