Dennis Dee CHAPMAN

CHAPMAN, Dennis Dee


Dennis Dee Chapman, 66, of Plainville, husband of Johanna (Petit) Chapman, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Friday, March 15, 2013. Born in Blue Springs, Nebraska on September 6, 1946, Dennis was one of three children of Robert Chapman and the late Margaret (Feit) Chapman. Raised on his family's farm, he took pride in his farming heritage and remained one with nature throughout his life, having a passion for the outdoors and gardening. He attended grammar school in a one-room schoolhouse and was a graduate of Beatrice High School, enlisting in the U.S. Navy shortly after. After his military discharge, he graduated from the University of Nebraska- Lincoln, with a B.S. in Education and Journalism. He accepted positions at various publications in Chicago and Philadelphia, where he met his best friend, Hanna, with whom he shared more than twenty three years. They spent the early part of their lives together in Pennsylvania, where they ran the Quarry House Bed and Breakfast, and Dennis shared his passion and knowledge for antiques. Upon starting their family, they moved to Connecticut where they raised their two adored children. After his retirement as the Vice President of Marketing and Sales from the Connecticut Lottery in 2007, Dennis devoted his time to developing and promoting Michaela's Garden to benefit the Petit Family Foundation. He made a wide circle of friends with farmers and garden clubs throughout the state and at the Connecticut Science Center. A strong, quiet and gentle soul, Dennis approached everything in life whole-heartedly. His children were his greatest pride. He will be greatly missed, leaving a legacy of dedication and many cherished memories.
Dennis is survived by his wife, Johanna, and their children, Abby and Andrew all of Plainville; his father, Robert, his brother, Larry and his wife, Cindy; his sister, Lori Dorn and her husband, Alan, all of Nebraska; his mother and father-in-law, William and Barbara Petit. He is also survived by his brothers-in-law William Petit Jr. and his wife, Christine; Glenn Petit; Michael Petit Sr. and his wife Erin; and Brian Petit, as well as their children and extended families; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.
Funeral services in celebration of Dennis' life will be held on Wednesday at 11 a.m. at Bailey Funeral Home, 48 Broad St., Plainville. Family and friends may gather on Tuesday evening, from 4-8 p.m. at the funeral home. For directions or online expressions of sympathy, please visit www.bailey-funeralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, Dennis may be remembered with contributions to Michaela's Garden Project, c/o the Petit Family Foundation, PO Box 310, Plainville, CT 06062 or www.petitfamilyfoundation.org.