Richard Carl "Chip" Czapkowski

Richard "Chip" Carl Czapkowski

AGE: 68 • Oro Valley, AZ, formerly of South River

Richard "Chip" Carl Czapkowski, 68, passed away on Thursday, Feb. 27, 2014, in Oro Valley, AZ. He was born in 1945 to the late Francis Martin Czapkowski and Helen Czapkowski (Kizlinski) of South River, NJ. Rich (Chip) graduated from East Brunswick High School in 1963. In 1968, he became employed by Schweitzer Mauduit International Inc. in Spotswood, where he worked 35 years as a machinist. He was president of the Local 1482 United Paperworkers International Union for one term, championing workers pay, benefits and contract structures. A lifelong New York Yankees fan and Harley-Davidson rider and enthusiast, Rich was also an avid hunter and conservationist. He was a lover of rock music and supporter of the U.S. Marine Corps, of which, his oldest son Paul, served honorably. Most of all, he adored his wife and soul mate Beate, with whom he shared his dreams, his love, and his life. Surviving are his wife of over 46 years, Beate Czapkowski, residing in Oro Valley, AZ; his brother, Frank Czapkowski; and sisters, Marie Sutter, Helen Cseh, and Elaine Chamberlain, all of whom reside in Central NJ. He is also survived by his sons, Paul and his wife, Terry of Jackson, NJ, and Tom and his wife, Shawnna of Oro Valley, AZ; and his grandchildren, Alexis, Chelsea, Jaimee, Christopher, Brandon, Aidan, Michael and Sophia, as well as many nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, March 21 at St. Mary's R.C. Church, 30 Jackson St., South River, NJ 08882.