John R. Chaponis of West Hartford died peacefully in his home on February 21, 2014. He was born March 16, 1932 in Shenandoah, PA the son of John Joseph Chaponis and Anna Elizabeth Chaponis. He attended St. Peter's in Hartford and graduated from Hartford Public High School in 1950 where he lettered in Basketball. He served in the U.S. Army as a Corporal from 1953 - 1955. After which he attended the Porter School of Tool & Design and the New Britain Teachers College. Early in his career he was employed as a Design Draftsman but later spent the majority of his career as a Construction Steam Fitter. He was an active member of Plumbers Local 76 and Local 777 for 37 years. Additionally, he worked in Real Estate and held a Connecticut Real Estate Broker's License for many years. He loved all sports but, skiing was his passion. He was rated as an Expert Skier after having graduated from the Killington Vermont Ski School and was a member of the Ski Instructors of America. After undergoing two total knee replacements, he ended his skiing career and took up the game of golf later in life. He regularly walked 36 holes a day and celebrated a hole-in-one in 2006. He was a collector of antique clocks & pocket watches as well as a renowned clocksmith who could repair movements from the 1800's. He was a member of the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors and was frequently found at local auction houses. Upon retirement, he began a decade of reading world history and the biographies of world leaders and always enjoyed political discussion. Watching the University of Connecticut Men's & Women's Basketball teams as well as the Boston Celtics was one of his pastimes and he was a faithful member of Rex Sox Nation and attended the 1946 World Series with his father. Seeing the Red Sox win with the World Series in 2004 was a long-awaited victory! He was a lifelong Johnny Cash fan and at the age of 75, he purchased a guitar and taught himself a few chords and began playing Country Music. He loved his five children and was extremely proud of their accomplishments and truly enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren. He is survived by his three daughters, Susan A. Chaponis of West Hartford, Karen L. Nappo & her husband William of Avon, and MaryAnn Fox & her husband Jeff of West Hartford, his two sons, Daniel J. Chaponis of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico and John J. Chaponis of Colchester, three cherished grandchildren, Summer Rose Chaponis, Riley J. & Aidan T. Fox of West Hartford, and his nephew Robert Chaponis & family of Bethlehem, PA. He was predeceased by his only brother Leonard Chaponis of New Britain. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, February 28, 2014 at St. Brigid Church, 1088 New Britain Ave, West Hartford. Burial will immediately follow at Fairview Cemetery, West Hartford. There are no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Disabled American Veterans Organization at DAV.org. Online condolences may be made at www.SheehanHilbornBreen.com.
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Karen Nappo
March 16, 2014
Dear Cousins,
Our deepest sympathy to you all. Jim & I winter in Florida and were unable to make the service.
Your father was a great man & my favorite cousin; he was always teasing me about something, usually my red hair, since I was the only one in the whole family.
Please know that our thoughs and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Fondly,
Carol & Jim Leone
[email protected]
860 655 8300 (cell)
Carol & Jim Leone
March 5, 2014
Susan (Karen, Dan, John, MaryAnn & family),
I'm deeply sorry for your sudden loss and feel the pain that you're all going through. Your father was a very special person and I'm thankful for having had the opportunity to have known him all these years. When you talk about the kind of person he was, may you feel proud and lucky to have had him as your Dad. Wishing you comfort and peace.
Tom Howell
March 4, 2014
To the Chaponis family,
I am sorry to read of your fathers passing. I remember your family from way back in the early 1960s on Wood Road in New Britain. I am praying for your dad and family. May God bless you all.
Patty Gajda-Beloff
March 1, 2014
To John and his family, I am so sorry to hear of your father's passing. I hope the many memories you shared together will give you comfort during these days of reflection and beyond.
Don Philips
February 28, 2014
Susan Your father was a gentleman and I am sorry for your families loss
Jim
February 28, 2014
Sorry for your loss, may those sweet memories allow John to live forever in your hearts and dreams.
Jason Lawrence
February 28, 2014
Karen & Bill,
I am so sorry to read of your father's passing. Please know that you are in my thoughts at this most difficult time.
Always hold the beautiful memories you shared close to your heart.
Denise OBrien
February 27, 2014
Thinking of you all during this difficult time. xo
Michelle
February 27, 2014
To John and the Chaponis Family, I'm so sorry for your loss. Your Dad sounds like he was a wonderful man, I would love to have had the chance to meet him. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this very sad time.
Rochelle Lambert
February 26, 2014
Karen,
So sorry to hear of your Father's passing. All the memories gathered through the years are yours to keep forever.
Kathleen & Vincent Trantolo
February 26, 2014
To John and the Chaponis Family,
My deepest sympathy for the loss of Mr. Chaponis, your Dad and loved one. May your memories of him along with the love & support of family & friends bring you comfort. May he rest in peace.
Marsha Benno
February 26, 2014
Susan, I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Please know that I am here if you need anything. XXOOXXOO
Sally Flaig
Sally Flaig
February 26, 2014
So sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. God bless you and your family
February 26, 2014
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