LEO S. CHAPLA

CHAPLA

LEO S., MSW, LCSW, a retired social worker, passed away at Pottstown Memorial Medical Center on November 16, 2013 at the age of 89. Mr. Chapla served as Director of Social Services at Norristown State Hospital from 1965 to 1985. A WWII veteran Honorably discharged who served in the US Navy as a Pharmacist's Mate 2nd Class, he received the WWII Victory Medal, American Campaign Medal and the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal. After WWII, Mr. Chapla received a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Social Work degrees from University of Pittsburgh in 1949 and 1951, respectively. Earlier he had attended St. Vincent College prior to, and after his military service. Born in Latrobe PA, on August 14, 1924, he was the son of the late Leopold and Helen (nee Markiewicz) Chapla. Mr Chapla was a charter member of the National Association of Social Workers and served in various capacities for the Philadelphia Division. He was also a member of the Limerick Township Historical Society and the PA Association of Retired State Employees. Mr. Chapla was an avid gardener and enjoyed sharing produce with fellow employees and friends.
He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Laura (nee Miller) Chapla; a sister, Helen Lusi and her husband, Armando, of Johnston RI; 9 nephews and 2 nieces. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Joseph Kendra and Edward Kendra.
Relatives and friends are invited to his Visitation Monday, 2:30 until 3:30 P.M., at +L.A. DiGIACOMO INC. FUNERAL HOME, 1055 Southampton Rd., Phila., immediately followed by military honors 3:30 P.M. at the Funeral Home. Burial will be in Bethel Cemetery, Seneca OH. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Social Works Dept., Norristown State Hospital, 1001 Sterigere St., Norristown PA 19401.
Condolences and guestbook at

www.DiGiacomoFuneralHome.com