Kyle E. Chapman

Montville - Kyle E. Chapman, an inspirational friend, proud Marine, and generous soul, died on June 22, 2013. He was 51.

Kyle was born in Limestone, Maine, a small Canadian border town located in the northeast corner of the state. His family left Maine during his early childhood for Shreveport, La. He graduated from Haughton High School in 1978 and stayed in Shreveport until his decision to enlist in the U.S. Marine Corps two years later. Kyle was fiercely patriotic, a quality that motivated him through rigorous training at Parris Island and led to his development as an infantry rifleman. His ambitious nature earned him the Marine Sharpshooter Badge, and he was quickly recognized as the best shooter on base. Like many Marines before him, Kyle traveled the world, working in various locations in the Philippines and Japan during the international peacekeeping force in Lebanon. Kyle's superiors took note of his industriousness and hearty spirit, and he was later assigned to transporter duty, a detail that required only the most qualified Marines to assist the base commander with highly confidential and sensitive tasks.

Following his honorable discharge from the Marines in 1984, Kyle worked as an underwater welder in Houston before following a job announcement that led him to Connecticut in 1988. In March of that year, during a losing bingo game streak at the Chesterfield Lodge, fortune favored Kyle when he won the heart of his wife and best friend, Christina (Popp) Chapman. In 1992, Christina and Kyle purchased their Montville home where they raised their beloved and loyal son, Mark A. Chapman.

Kyle became an iron worker foreman for the Cianbro Corp., and his Marine Corps tenacity earned him a reputation for perfection and obliging humor. Kyle's co-workers knew him by his meticulous nature, and his work required little to no review by external inspection. Many well-known bridges in Connecticut and New York have received Kyle's fastidious attention, including the Mystic River Bridge, the Q-Bridge, the Tappan Zee Bridge, and the Housatonic River Railroad Bridge.

Most importantly, however, Kyle was always recognized for his generosity and kind heart. He was always willing to help strangers and friends alike at a moment's notice, and many in the community will miss such a rare human quality.

In addition to Christina and Mark, Kyle is survived by his two sisters, Sydney Rollins and Lori Blair; mother, Ramona M. Chapman-Blalock; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was predeceased by his father, Charles E. Chapman Jr., and his brother, Rick Chapman.

Recently, the Cianbro Corp., generously provided Kyle with a dream opportunity to take flight in a helicopter above the hills and shores of southern Connecticut. Cianbro's employees, including the corporation's president, were excited to extend their greatest appreciation for Kyle's contributions to their company. In honor of his 25 years of service to Cianbro, Kyle was given a gold pocket watch to commemorate his loyalty. Kyle's enthusiasm for helicopter aviation was known by all, and the family would like to sincerely thank the employees and staff at Cianbro for their kindness and consideration.

Funeral services for Kyle will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday at the Woyasz & Son Funeral Home, 11 Jerome Road, Montville. Calling hours will take place from 5 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday. Burial will be held at St. Patrick's Cemetery, Uncasville.