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Douglas Chiappetta Obituary
He was born on May 24, 1951 in Toledo, Ohio, the son of Ed and Martha Chiappetta. He spent his youth in Greenwich, Connecticut, graduating from Greenwich High School in 1969. He earned a B.S. in English/secondary education from the University of Connecticut in 1973 and a M.Ed. in educational administration from the University of Vermont in 1975.
Doug married Sue Schirmer in Greenwich on July 5, 1975. He was a teacher of English at Harwood Union High School in Duxbury, Vermont from 1974 to 1981. He then spent two years as an assistant headmaster at The Steward School in Richmond, Virginia. In 1983, Doug and Sue moved back to Vermont and Doug returned to Harwood in special education. In 1988, he joined the Vermont Department of Education as a school improvement coordinator and over the next 15 years his responsibilities grew to include oversight of school construction, licensing, independent schools and home schooling. He retired in 2002 as director of educator and school quality.
Doug will be remembered for his kind nature and as a person who would rather listen than speak. He was known for his passion for golf and for his classic and smooth golf swing. He was proud to have qualified for the Vermont amateur golf championship a number of times, including one of the early years of his illness. He also enjoyed the simple pleasures of playing the guitar, cooking and spending time with family and friends.
Doug is survived by his wife Sue Chiappetta of Moretown; his mother Martha Chiappetta of Homestead, FL; his father Ed Chiappetta of Clearwater, FL; his sister Sue Ann Sabanski and her husband Rich of Homestead, FL, and their family; and his sister Nancy Haas and her husband Buster of Guilford, CT, and their family. Doug is also survived by his mother-in-law Beatrice Schirmer of Northfield, VT; his sister- and brother-in-law Lynn and Gary Kingsbury of Waitsfield, VT, and their family; and his brother- and sister-in-law Tad and Ginnie Schirmer of Lagos, Nigeria and Waitsfield, VT, and their family. He was predeceased by his father-in-law Howard Schirmer.
The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and staff of Mountainview Medical in Berlin VT for providing Doug and Sue with excellent care and support for the past four years.
A celebration of Doug's life and a reception will be held at The Round Barn Farm, 1661 East Warren Road, Waitsfield, VT on Saturday, November 11 at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, Doug requested that consideration be given to a donation to the Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich, PO Box 4718, Greenwich, CT 06830 or to Central Vermont Home Health & Hospice, 600 Granger Road, Barre, VT 05641. To send on-line condolences, please visit www.perkinsparker.com.
Arrangements are in the care of Perkins-Parker Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Waterbury, VT.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Douglas Chiappetta
Mark Brodeur
November 8, 2006
To Doug's family,
I was very saddened by the news of Mr. Chiapetta's passing. Though I never had him as a teacher at Harwood Union his big, ever present smile has been and always will be part of my life's memories.
Peter Benedict
November 7, 2006
Sue,
Jan and I were so very saddened to learn of Doug's passing. We had no idea that you and he were enduring such a terrible ordeal these past four years. I often think of you and Doug as I drive by your Riverside home by Ada's louse house, and now each time I do it will be with a sadness as well as memories of our happy times as teenagers at GHS. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Peter and Jan Benedict
RICHARD AND JILL HORTON
November 6, 2006
TO SUE AND FAMILY: JILL AND I CANNOT BEGIN TO EXPRESS TO YOU OUR SORROW DURING THIS DIFFICULT TIME. OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. HAVING KNOWN YOU BOTH FOR SO MANY YEARS, WE WANT YOU TO KNOW THAT HIS SPIRIT WILL LIVE ON WITHIN US AS STRONGLY AND DEEPLY AS IT WILL WITH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. JILL AND RICHARD HORTON ELIJAHS BREATH FARM FREDERICK MD.
Doug Walker
November 3, 2006
Sue and family,
I was saddened to hear of Doug's passing. Like everything else he did, he handled the challenge of this consuming disease with great courage and dignity.
I can remember the day I interviewed Doug for his first position at the Department of Education. After only a few seconds I set his resume aside and was caught up in a conversation with a man I knew would be of great assistance to Vermont schools and educators.
It was truly a pleasure to work with Doug--I learned much as I watched him handle challenges with such grace and bring new meaning to the concept of "public servant." His contributions to Vermont are quite
significant. His mark has been left in the school facilities throughout the state, but more importantly in the hearts of the many educators, school board members and citizens who he helped in some small way.
Know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers as you go
through this time of saddness and transition.
Doug Walker
Reston, VA
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Jay Ancel
November 3, 2006
Dear Sue and Family,
My Architecture firm, Black River Design, and I had the pleasure of getting to know Doug through the processing of numerous school design projects. AS with many things, there is often more process than product involved, particularly with something as involved as a school project.
With Doug's involvement, we never felt that we were dealing with a bureaucracy but with a caring individual who was there to listen, to have projects move forward and to have those involved recognize and enjoy the success.
He was a profesional's professional. We all wanted to do a better job having our own work live up to a standard of quality which Doug's involvement demonstrated. In his quiet way, Doug is a part of many quality learning environments around Vermont
He was an inspiration to those who worked with him with his quiet and positive approach.
We are thinking of you and fondly recall the privilege of having known Doug who touched our lives and work.......
Jay Ancel
David Chiappetta
November 3, 2006
Hello Sue, I was lucky to have met you two again this past summer at the Greenwich CC - though i only remember Dougie as an older relative at Christmas eve get togethers at Grams - some of the best times. His calm and smooth nature were honest and, I know now, showed strength. All the best.
Bobbi Keane
November 3, 2006
Dear Sue,
I was so sorry to hear about Doug. I didn't know him well but he was always upbeat and personable with I talked with him. He was very kind. I will keep you in my prayers. Please keep in touch and we would love to have you come visit in January. Please pick a date and let us know. Fondly, Bobbi Keane
Nancy and Mark Cody
November 2, 2006
Dear Sue,
He lived his life with amazing dignity, charm and warmth. We will miss his humor; but then you two are an amazing couple. When he "talks" to you and makes you laugh with a memory, (because he'll always be with you), please share what you can with us to brighten our day again!
Love, Nancy and Mark
Kathie Chwals Milligan
November 1, 2006
Dear Sue,
Although I didn't know you two at GHS, I did talk to Doug at our last reunion. He was so kind to approach me and inquire about what I had done since High School. His interest and care were evident. I am sorry for your loss and I will remember you in my prayers.
Jack Scully
November 1, 2006
Dear Sue,
Dennis and I were saddened to hear that your husband, Doug, has passed away. Although I never met him, I could tell from the obituary and the on-line condolences that he was a special and caring person.
Back in 1968, as you might remember, our Mom, Mary, died at 51. It was a Wednesday. Just at dusk, your Dad came over and visited Dennis and me. He had known us since we were little kids and knew all the right words to say. I recall saying she died too early. Howard shook his head and just said, "the good die young, boys, the good die young."
I can still hear him saying those words. Somehow they seemed to help us way back then. I hope they are of some condolence to you and your family now.
Best always,
Jack and Dennis Scully
Kevin Colling
November 1, 2006
Dear Sue,
It's funny how some people influence your life. When I worked at the Department, without ever telling him, I came to regard Doug as my big brother. When I needed to know how to think or act about stuff that was happening, I looked to him for a reliable reality check. I will never forget sitting between him and Rick Mills at the town meeting in Ira when we "made history" and closed the school in Albany. Before we left the lights and the television cameras and made a bee-line to our cars (before the locals got restless), I remember being so glad it was Doug sitting next to me.
It was so nice hearing from you when you were in Augusta last year. Doug qualifies as a great man. I will continue to miss him.
Christopher Semmes
November 1, 2006
Dear Sue. It has been a very long time since GHS. Tonight I read in the Greenwich Time about Dougs passing. I am so sorry to hear this. I dragged out our class yearbook and have your wedding announcement cut out from the July 8,1975 GT it was in and kept in the yearbook page your photo is posted on. You two were a great team and one of only a few to marry from our class. I have great memories of you both. My deepest sympathies are with you. With warm regards and hugs, Christopher
Kerri DeBlasi
October 31, 2006
Dear Sue and family, I'm so sorry to hear that Doug has passed away. It was so nice meeting you in Florida and enjoying lunch together with family; Doug always had a warm smile and kind eyes. With love, from Doug's second cousin (Charlene's daughter),
MaryLouise "Weese" Chiappetta
October 31, 2006
Sue,
I was so sad to hear about Dougie. I remember our Christmas Eve's together so many years ago in Riverside at Gram's house. We had many laughs during our gift exchange. Even though Dougie was older he set many records on the Greenwich High Swim Team. When I got to the high school I remember going to the swim meets and feeling proud when I saw Dougies name and how my class was trying to break his records. He was a really nice guy and I am sad that he had to suffer for the past few years. I hope knowing that he is finally painfree will bring peace to you.
Christopher Brock
October 31, 2006
To
Doug's Family: I am sorry to hear about your loss. Doug was a great guy
and friend. I knew him many many years ago, when we were teenagers, but
I can still remember our conversations and laughs. He will be missed.
Marjorie Vinton
October 31, 2006
Sue,
I was so sad to read of Doug's passing. I was shocked since I did not know he was ill.
I have not seen Doug for quite a few years, but just the mention of his name would bring to mind what a wonderful person he was. I taught at Waterbury Elementary (and then at CBMS) so I have known Doug for many years. I took a course from him, was a colleague and also was on a PSA team that, years ago, went to Catamount School in Bennigton.
I always admired Doug; his high, yet fair standards, his great pesonality and his smile.
He will be greatly missed. His legacy will be the countless lives he has touched and the difference he has made in so many people.
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Marjorie Vinton
Bob Howe
October 31, 2006
To Doug's Family: Sorry to hear of your loss... Doug was a gracious and memorable man. He and I worked for different state departments but for the same goal of school safety. Doug was always professional but uncompromising for the safety and well being of the school children entrusted to his care. He is missed.
Wendy Hovey
October 31, 2006
Sue,
I worked with Doug at the Department of Education...in fact he welcomed and supported me when I first made the transition out of my classroom into more systemic work. He is a man that I will always remember with great respect and admiration. I wish you great comfort in this time of loss; we have truly lost a wonderful man. Please know that Doug has been in my thoughts over the past few years, and will continue to be so in the future.
Jane Robb
October 31, 2006
Dear Sue,
It was so nice to see you and Doug a few weeks ago at the Wayside. Clearly, he was very ill, but as others have mentioned, his illness in no way diminished his essence -- a kind and gentle soul.
I have fond memories of you and Doug several years ago at an event for Lost Nation Theater at City Hall in Montpelier and envied the obvious closeness of your relationship. As often happened when we were together, you and I "got the giggles." Doug was with us in spirit, but certainly had a much more dignified manner than we "girls."
These recent years have been very difficult for you, I'm sure, and I'm so sorry that you didn't have more time to enjoy retirement together. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Lou Chiappetta
October 31, 2006
Our thoughts and prayers are with you Sue. We have the memory of a
nice luncheon and family get together last March on Greenwich
Day. Doug was a perfect gentleman.
May God welcome him and keep you
safe.
Love Uncle Lou and Marie Chiappetta
Old Greenwich, Ct
Jeanne Robichaud
October 31, 2006
Dear Sue,
I am sorry to hear of Doug's passing. Although I also graduated from Greenwich High in 1969, I only had one class with Doug, even so, I will never forget him. In those days many students were in their clics and rarely cared about others. Not Doug, he was always kind even at that young age. Whenever I think back to my days of Greenwich, I always remember Doug. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Jody Sloat
October 31, 2006
I was so sorry to hear of Doug's passing. I have fond memories of Doug and Sue from high school. My condolences to all.
Sincerely, Jody Coleman Sloat
Judy (Kaye) Lentini
October 31, 2006
Sue, I have such wonderful memories of you & Doug, individually and as a duo, and I am so very sorry to hear of his passing. He was an incredibly dear young man, and I can only imagine that he grew into an incredibly dear older man.
When next you are in Homestead with the family, please consider coming south another 80 miles to No Name, where you can sit in silence with nature, throw coral rocks to vent frustration, or thoroughly dissipate (it being the Keys), as needed.
Much love and much sympathy from across the years,
Judy
Diane Villemaire
October 30, 2006
Dear Sue,
Bernie and I were sad to hear the news of Doug's passing. You two were always so friendly and happy, just to be together. I'll always remember Doug laughing in the teachers' room at Harwood. We still have the photos of the two of you visiting after Emily was born and holding the new baby. We were all so young then! I know the two of you lived life in its fullest measure. Doug will be greatly missed around Moretown. Our thoughts are with you. It is surely a sad time for anyone who had the pleasure of knowing Doug, but no one more than you, Sue. Take care and know that many folks care for you. Bernie and Diane Villemaire
Pat & Diane Murray
October 30, 2006
Sue, our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
We'll always remember how special the times were when you encountered Doug, he was a first class gentlemen and made you feel like you were his best friend. His passion for golf was second to none and he was a pleasure to play with or just talk about the game. I always admired him for his committment to teaching when I served on the Harwood School Board and will treasure the memories of our discussions on what was best for kids. We'll keep you in our prayers and know that Doug will be watching us all making sure we live life to it's fullest.
Sincerely, Pat and Diane Murray
John Ormsby
October 30, 2006
To Sue and Family
I was so sorry to hear of Dough's passing.
I always enjoyed our meetings and Doug had a way of making you his most important person when we met. I will miss him at the Barre country
Club.. Sincerly John Ormsby
Will Thayer
October 30, 2006
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Lisa Palmer
October 30, 2006
Sue,
We were so sad to here about Doug. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. I feel as if you are part of our family. Its hard to believe that you didn't live next to us for that long. I had thought it had been alot longer then that. We will miss Doug greatly. If you need anything please call. Love, Lisa(Blanchard) and Family
Linda Janes
October 30, 2006
To Doug's Family and Friends,
I clearly remember Doug's passion for golf -and I also experienced his incredible skill as a mentor. He was my superviser at the Department of Education and he was exceptionally supportive and helpful. I was saddened to learn of his illness several years ago.. I regret not calling or writing. Please accept my condolences for your loss.
Linda Janes
Kathy Murtagh
October 30, 2006
Dear Sue and family,
I met Doug because of cancer and although it took him in the end, it did not win. Cancer could not change the brave, kind and considerate man that Doug was....and it could not take the hope and encouragment he offered me.
During those first few weeks after my diagnosis of lung cancer in October 2005 Doug reached out and shared his story. He offered hope and the truth that the diagnosis is not an immediate death sentence. The idea that I could survive, and even thrive after such a devestating diagnosis was unheard of. But Doug showed by example that attitute is eveything, even in the face of a killer disease.
I am sad that I did not get to know him better. We never had the chance to talk about much other than the disease we shared. I never knew he was an educator, or played guitar. All I know is that he and you opened yourselves to a scared stranger and helped me live through some of the darkest days of my life.
Sue, I can only imagine the depths of your sadness, but please know that others share your loss. We never have enough time with the ones we love but I fully believe that we will meet again....healthy, whole, free of pain and disease....reunited in love that never leaves us.
Please know I am here to help you with anything at any time. Thank you for all you & Doug have done for me, I will carry both of you in my heart always.
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