Thomas W. CHAPMAN

News Death Notice

CHAPMAN, Thomas W. an accomplished local glass artist, passed away at age 66 on October 17, 2013, as a result of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS or Lou Gehrig 's disease). Tom was born September 21, 1947 in Dayton, OH, son of the late Elmer and Mary Lou Chapman. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Nick (Rita) Chapman. Tom is survived by 2 brothers, Doug and Steve (Barb) Chapman; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Tom attended St. Rita's grade school and graduated from Chaminade High School, class of 1966. He attended The Ohio State University and earned a degree in Journalism from Ohio University. He served with honor and distinction in the United States Army stationed in Vietnam during the Vietnam conflict. In June 1969, Tom was awarded "Soldier of the Month" of his unit. Tom was first introduced to glass art at Ohio University, followed by years of study and work in Colorado and California glass studios. In 1989, Tom established Shiloh Hotglass, the first art glass blowing studio in Dayton, OH. He has participated in art glass workshops at the University of Illinois, Kent State University, New Orleans School of Glass, the Corning Museum of Glass in Corning, NY and workshops in Oregon and Spruce Pine, North Carolina. Tom has also taught glass blowing and trained aspiring artists, both in an academic setting and in his studio. He usually worked unassisted, using a blend of Venetian and Western techniques to create vessels, vases, bowls, marbles, garden and yard art, lamps, ornaments and sculptures. Tom has received numerous honors and awards for his art, most recently achieving his lifelong professional goal, The Dominick Labino Award for Excellance in Glass Art in the "Best of 2013" show sponsored by The Ohio Designer Craftsmen. He has art creations in many private collections, as well as in the permanent collection at the Dayton Art Institute's Eileen Dickey Gallery of Glass. Tom has produced work for Montgomery County, the City of Dayton, the University of Dayton and the Dayton Area Chapter of the American Red Cross. His architectural and liturgical installations include St. Helen's Church, the Wright State University Chapel, Good Samaritan Hospital North, Miami Valley Hospital, the main lobby of the CareSource Building in Dayton, as well as a number of residential applications. Tom was a member of The American Craft Council, Ohio Designer Craftsmen, The Dayton Visual Arts Center and the Dayton Canoe Club. Tom had many loving and loyal friends including, Pat Beckermann, Ray Bertschy, Susan Cannon, John Castle, Tim Collins, Karen Hickey Dean, Jim DeLange, Daina Dickens, Mark, Fabienne, Riviere and Margot Duffy, Jack Fink, Jeff Flayer, David Francis, Jim Glaser, Denny Gorman, Margaret (Boots Bachey) Gottschlich, Joe Hoffman, Marty Liebold, Bob Mousaian, Steve and Debbie Pickett, Ralph Prince, LeBron Rankins, Charlie and Jenny Rose, Debbie Rotunno, Richard Skelton, John and Mitzi Stuckey, Peri Switzer, Joe Zaidain and special friend and caregiver, John (Cotty) Rose. The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the following organizations and people who have cared for Tom in his final days: The Dayton and Cleveland VA Hospitals, Hospice of Dayton, The ALS Association, Jay Harbeck, Dr. Sayler, Dr. Selkirk and caregiver, Arlene Sapp. A Memorial Service will be held at 7 PM Friday, October 25, 2013 at Baker-Hazel & Snider Funeral Home & Crematory, 5555 Philadelphia Dr., Dayton, OH, Fr. James Seibert, C.PP.S., celebrant. The family will receive visitors 5-7 PM Friday, October 25, 2013 at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The ALS Association Central and Southern Ohio Chapter, Hospice of Dayton or Paralyzed Veterans of America, in Tom's memory. Online memories and condolences may be left for the family at www.bakerhazelsnider.com