Frederick G. Chapman
Frederick Gordon Chapman, age 98, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, October 24, 2024. He leaves behind a legacy of love, dedication, and treasured memories. Born in Fairfield, CT, and raised in Port Jefferson, NY, Fred led a remarkable life full of service, family, and adventure. Fred was preceded in death by his wife, Jean.
At 18, Fred proudly joined the U.S. Navy during World War II. Following his military service, he moved to New York City, where he met his beloved wife, Jean. They shared 68 wonderful years together, building a life centered around family and love.
Fred's career began at Eastern Bag and Company, and later, he moved to upstate New York to work as an accountant for Beechnut Gum. His professional path continued as he took roles at Squibb Corporation and Bristol-Myers Squibb, where he served as Manager of Federal Taxes until his retirement.
In his retirement, Fred found joy in golfing, bowling, fishing, and, most importantly, spending time with his family. He loved traveling with them across the U.S. and abroad, including cherished visits to his cousins in Finland with his granddaughters. Fred had a deep appreciation for nature, taking his children and later his granddaughters on nature walks and beach scavenger hunts.
Fred was a hands on grandfather, affectionately known as Granddad. Whether it was riding the rides at Disney World with Sarah and Rebecca, playing hucklebuckle, teaching them about horseshoe crabs or playing the role as Peter Baker, the perfect student; he was there. In later years, he took immense pride in attending his great-granddaughters' events, watching Kaitlyn's musical performances, operas, and plays, and cheering on Madison at basketball games, track meets, and volleyball games. One of the highlights of Fred's later years was being part of his great-great-grandson Jack's life over the last four years, adding another generation to the family memories he held so dear.
Fred is survived by his loving daughter, Karyn, and son-in-law, Tom Morgan, as well as his son, Frederic Chapman. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Sarah Roman, William Roman, and Rebecca Carruthers and her fiancé, Johnathan Decker; great-granddaughters, Kaitlyn Roman and Madison Roman; great-great-grandson, Jack; sister, Marion Goodman; and several nieces and nephews. His longtime companion, his precious dog Sweetie, will also miss him dearly. In addition to his wife, he was predeceased by his beloved son, Robert Steven Chapman.
Fred will be remembered for his love of family, his kind heart, and his adventurous spirit. His legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched.
Friends may greet his family on Sunday, October 27, 2024 from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. at the Shaughnessey Banks Funeral Home, 50 Reef Rd. in Fairfield. The U.S. Navy will conclude the visitation with Military Funeral Honors at 3:00 p.m.
To send an online condolence, please visit
www.shaughnesseybanks.com.

Published by Connecticut Post on Oct. 24, 2024.