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Stephen Clapper Obituary
He was born on Jan. 31, 1950, in Waltham, Mass., the son of Nathalie Guay and Gerald Clapper. He was the third of 11 siblings.
He married the love of his life, Linda L. Clapper, who survives him.
Mr. Clapper was a 30-year veteran of the New Hampshire Army National Guard, retiring as a command sergeant major in 2000. He spent countless hours as an advocate for military veterans and supported numerous military organizations as well.
A loving husband, father, brother, son and friend, he was a devoted Seventh-Day Adventist and strongly held his faith that God would guide his path through life.
Mr. Clapper loved children, and after retiring from the military, he became a social worker and an advocate for disadvantaged youth.
He loved spending time with his grandkids, swimming, fixing things, and he was always up for tackling a new project.
He was an avid traveler and enjoyed telling stories of the places he visited, embellishing on the details to make the story more exciting. Most of all, he enjoyed spending time at home in his rocking chair, on the phone with family and friends, or when company visited his home. He was a person devoted to helping everyone around him and lending an ear to anyone in need. Family says he handled any person or situation caringly and with grace.
He loved life and his enthusiasm about it was contagious. He touched the hearts of many and will surely be missed by those who had the good fortune to know him.
Family members include his wife and soulmate, Linda L. Clapper; son and daughter-in-law, Craig Clapper and wife Heather Clapper of Abington, Md.; daughter and son-in-law, Brandy Clapper and Brian Beauchesne of Portland, Maine; his brothers, Howard Clapper and his wife Kathe of Wylie, Texas, John Clapper of Rochester, N.H.; Wayne Clapper and his wife Yvonne of Dover, N.H.; Timothy Clapper and his wife Lisa of Bayside, N.Y.; and his sisters, Rebecca Clapper of Rochester, N.H., Pamela Dow and her husband Joe of Strafford, N.H.; Cynthia Ferrara and her husband Walter of Rochester, N.H., Caron Bourque and her husband Tom of Dover, N.H., Sharon Lemelin and her husband Mike; numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents and his brother Gerald Clapper Jr.
.
SERVICES: A service celebrating his life is Sunday at 4 p.m. at Portsmouth Seventh Day Adventist Church, 861 Middle Road, Portsmouth.
Memorial donations may be made to the Portsmouth Seventh Day Adventist Church (make check payable to the church), 861 Middle Road, Portsmouth 03801.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Stephen Clapper
Craig
July 16, 2021
Dad - still miss you as much as when you left this Earth. Until we are reunited, thank you for all you ever did for us.
Rick Stanton
August 14, 2011
I am so sorry to read about Steve's passing. We were friends for a few months but have memories of his smile and good counsel for years to come. He was truly a man among men. He will be missed very much; but we know he is in a better place with no pain.
Rick Stanton USAF (ret) a Child Advocate
Joshua Goodin
August 3, 2011
Dear Linda. I am sorry for your loss. I enjoyed having steve as a mentor through seacoast mental health. I learned alot from him. I thought of him as a second father. Tell the rest of the family I am sorry for the loss.
Bob , Lee-Anne & Joshua Goodin
August 3, 2011
The hearts Steve touched and the difference he made in our lives will forever be cherished.
Betty Gagne
July 30, 2011
Dear Wayne & Yvonne:
Sorry to hear you lost your brother Wayne, my sympathy to you and your family.
Kathy Guiliano
July 25, 2011
Dear Linda, Greg & Brandy,
Words cannot adequately describe how sad we are of Steve's passing. My office was directly across from his at Aberdeen Proving Ground & we often spoke throughout the day. He was a wonderful co-worker and keep us all laughing with his stories. He also spoke highly of each of you and his grandchildren. He will be greatly missed by all that had the pleasure of knowing him. We know however, that he is in a much better place where there is no pain or sorrow. May God grant each of you comfort & peace during this difficult time.
Doug Heilman
July 25, 2011
It was an honor to work with Steve back in the 3/197th FA in Portsmouth. He was a great friend and fellow soldier. May God grant his grace and peace to the family.
CSM Peter Chase
July 24, 2011
I worked for Steve in the 197th FA Brigade from 1998 - 2000. Among other things, Steve truly enjoyed making people laugh. I am sorry for your loss. He will be missed.
The Waters Family
July 24, 2011
Dear Wayne and family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this difficult time.
Much Love
Joanne Ferland
July 24, 2011
Caron and family,We are so sorry to hear about the loss of Steve. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Always Joanne & Joe Ferland
Natalie Fleming
July 24, 2011
I know there are no words, at a time like this, that can ease the pain. My deepest sympathy, condolences and heart go out to all of you. Steve, and Linda, welcomed me fully to family get togethers and holidays in Portland when Brandy and I became friends (coincidentally not long after my father passed over). You don't find kindness and openness like that everywhere. You were all, as was I, very lucky to have him in your life. This is the time to celebrate his.
michael moreau
July 23, 2011
Caron so sorry to hear of your loss my heart goes out to you at this time of mourning
July 22, 2011
our condolence glad to have served with you our prayers are with you and your family wayne and carmel bryant
Howard Clapper
July 22, 2011
Steve was my brother and also one of my best friends. He always knew how to lighten the mood when I got too serious about an issue. We had many laughs through the years, and shared many stories. No matter what the outcome was, Steve always saw the brighter side. Never a negative person; always forgiving. We always joked about someday we would be a couple of 80+ year old-timers sitting in our rocking chairs bragging about our grandkids. Steve's in that rocking chair now in heaven, and I am sure he is bragging about his whole family and how he loved them. God bless you, Steve, we will miss you. Thank you for blessing our lives with your presence all these years. I love you Steve, and will forever speak to you in thoughts. Watch over all of us as you always did. Your family has much to be proud of and to remember you by.
July 22, 2011
Caron iam so sorry to hear of your loss my heart goes out to you and your family in this time of mourning
Angie Grinage
July 22, 2011
Although Steve hadn't worked with us for very long, he was a gentle spirit. I always knew when he was coming down the hall because I would hear him whistle before I saw him. It was nice to have met you, Steve.
Ronald Camire
July 22, 2011
family of steve I was in the Gurds with steve great guy a real trooper just glad we caught this his passing thought a lot of him
Cousin, Mary Anne Pepin (Moussally)
July 22, 2011
My deepest condolences to the family of Steve.....we recently got in touch with each other after so many years and found out we didn't live too far away either....I remember the times my mom and dad would visit Ft. Devens, and all of us kids would hang out.....my mom and his mom are sisters.....he will be missed by all...
Larry Colby
July 22, 2011
Steve Family,
I am so sorry to hear about the lost of Steve. He was a great person to be around. A person who loved life and always could make a person laugh. I have many great memories of Steve working with me in the NH National Guard. I know he touched many lives and has left us with many great memories. May the memories Steve made with you last forever.
Cw5 Larry Colby
Wayne Clapper
July 22, 2011
I thank God I have Steve as my brother. Growing up as "Army Brats" we travelled a lot and became very close. At the drop of a hat Steve was always there for any of us at any time. I'm really going to miss you bro.
Ron Langley
July 22, 2011
So sorry to hear of the loss of Steve. He was a great comrade-in-arms and a mentor during my early days as Commo Chief with 3-197. He will be missed.
MSG Ron Langley
Wayne Clapper
July 22, 2011
I thank God I have Steve as my brother. Growing up as "Army Brats" we travelled a lot and became very close. At the drop of a hat Steve was always there for any of us at any time. I'm really going to miss you bro.
July 22, 2011
Having served under SgtMajor Clapper was an honor. He treated the guys in my unit pretty good and in return, we worked hard for him. Thank you for your service and you will be missed.
Sgt.Chris Carpenter (ret)
Maureen Murphy-Baird
July 22, 2011
My deepest sympathy to all those whose lives Steve touched. I was a co worker of Steves in helping disadvantaged children. He was simply the best. One of the kindest, loyal, joyful and giving friends I have ever had. I will miss him the rest of my life.
Denis Gagnon
July 22, 2011
Dear Linda & Family
I want to send My condolences to you and the family. I knew Steve for many years in the New Hampshire Army National Guard. I was the First SGT in Battery C and worked with Steve in the 3rd battalion. Steve was a great guy that always wanted to help everyone. I know that there are very few words that can be said when we loose a love one. God Bless you all in these trying times.
Denis Gagnon Retired First SGT
July 22, 2011
Linda
We were friends a long time ago-in Dover. You and Steve lived at the apartment near the Somersworth line. My 'then' husband Phil was in the Guard with Steve. A bunch of us 'played' hide and seek in the armory at night. my prayers are with you and your family. Steve was a good man. Patti
Audrey Stevens
July 22, 2011
Linda and Family: Dave and I were shocked and saddened to hear about Steve's death. Dave is at a conference in Florida and received an email from Concord. Please know that we are with you in spirit even though we will not be able to be there for Steve's service. We will be in touch when we return home. Our prayers and sympathies are with you all. David & Audrey Stevens
Eric Meeks
July 22, 2011
He was a awesome guy and he will be mist by everyone
Craig Clapper
July 22, 2011
Dad, I cannot begin to tell you how much you'll be missed. There are so many moments in life that we take for granted and don't realize how precious life is until those moments are gone. You made my life a wonderful place to be and I could never thank you enough. I'll do you proud with your grandkids, I can promise you that. Until the day we meet again, its 'see ya later alligator'. I love ya.
Jacquie Capello
July 22, 2011
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Steve was a faculty member briefly at Henry Wilson school in Farmington. He was a credit to the youth work profession. He always had such a kind and gentle way with the troubled youth he worked with. I am sorry to hear of his sudden demise. Godspeed. Jacquie Capello, Farmington
Ellen Vollor
July 22, 2011
I am so sorry to hear of Steve's passing. He was a great friend. He was always smiling and made me laugh every time we talked. I will miss him very much. Linda, I wish you and the family all the love that Steve has brought to this world.
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