John Harmon Chappell Sr.

CHAPPELL JOHN HARMON CHAPPELL, SR. John Harmon Chappell Sr., of Westminster, Colorado, died November 24, 2008, of a heart attack. He was 69. "Jack" Chappell was born September 16, 1939, in Barton, Maryland. He graduated from Frostburg State Teacher‘s College and retired after 30 years in the Prince George's County public school system. He moved in 1994 to Colorado, where got his dream job at Coors Field for the Colorado Rockies. Chappell earned the team's leadership award, and his name can be found on a plaque at the ballpark's third base entrance. Chappell is survived by his wife, Sharon Chappell, of Westminster, Colorado; daughter, Karen Wittig and her spouse Michael Wittig, of Eldersburg, Maryland; son John Chappell Jr., of Lanham, Maryland; daughter Christine Reid and her spouse Nevin Reid, of Carroll Valley, Pennsylvania; step daughter Krista Patterson and spouse David Patterson, of Memphis, Tennessee; brother William Chappell and spouse Peggy Chappell, of Bowie, Maryland; brother in law Jim Radcliffe, of Anaheim Hills, California; and mother of his three children, Kay Chappell, of Crofton, Maryland. He is also survived by eight grandchildren: Tyler Wittig, Megan Patterson, Rebecca Chappell, Danielle Wittig, Michael Wittig, Christian Patterson, Josie Reid, and Jesse Reid. He was preceded in death by sisters, Martha Chappell and Jane Radcliffe; parents, William and Philomena Chappell; and father-in-law, Lindale Hershey. Chappell's love of life was contagious to all who were privileged to know him. His mighty bear hugs will be missed the most. A memorial service is scheduled for 11 a.m., January 10, at Saint Joseph Catholic Church, 915 Liberty Road, Eldersburg, Maryland. A reception will follow.