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BORN
1943
DIED
2014
FUNERAL HOME
Dennis Chapman Obituary
Dennis Haines Chapman, 71, of Akron, passed away May 17, 2014.
He was born in Akron on May 6, 1943. Denny was a loving husband, wonderful father, great Papa, and special friend. He was a true Renaissance man: a poet, composer, counselor, teacher, performer, golfer and fanatic Cleveland Browns fan. He was a member of Victory Masonic Lodge, Past Monarch of Yusef Khan Grotto and directed the Yusef Khan Grotto Men's Chorus for 40 years. Denny was a music teacher for 38 years in the Akron Public School System. He touched many young people's lives and taught them that music could never be taken away from them.
He was preceded in death by his father, Jack Chapman and sister-in-law, Joany.
Dennis is survived by his wife of 42 years, Linda; mother, Bernice; children, Dawn Marie (Adam White) and Scott (Heidi Neumeister); grandchildren, Patrick Caleb, Aiden and Addisan; granddogs, Murphy, Harlow, Phil and Carlos; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Sue (Jerry), Fred (Susan), Ken (Nathaniel), Marge (Joe), Rodney (Esther), Robert (Shirley), Dean (Debbie), Vicki (Davis); cousins, Pat Haines and Kay Haines; 56 nieces and nephews. Denny never knew a stranger and was a true friend to all.
Family and friends may call on Thursday, May 22, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. at NEWCOMER FUNERAL HOME, 131 N. Canton Rd. A Masonic service will be held at 7 p.m. and a Yusef Khan Grotto service at 7:30 p.m. A funeral service will be held on Friday, May 23 at 11 a.m. at North Springfield Presbyterian Church, 671 Canton Rd., Akron, OH 44312, with Pastor Janet Lowery officiating. Interment at Grandview Memorial Park, Ravenna, Ohio. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Yusef Khan Grotto, 619 Northwest Ave., Tallmadge, OH 44278 or ALS Association, 6155 Rockside Rd., Independence, OH 44131. To leave a special message for the family online, visit www.NewcomerAkron.com.
(NEWCOMER FUNERAL HOME, 330-784-3334)
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Dennis Chapman
Sponsored by Akron Beacon Journal.
Gerald Smith
May 14, 2025
Denny, you are remembered.
Gerald Smith
May 15, 2019
Rest in peace brother. Remembering Denny's smile and the good times we had growing up a brings joy to my heart.
John Floyd
May 14, 2019
Dennis was a gifted teacher and singer. I will always cherish the times I spent with him at East High.
Danikia Robinson
September 13, 2017
Mr Chapman was a loving, caring person. We students knew that he and his family cared about us all. Every year I remember all the time and effort that was put into our "broadway productions" at East High School. Guys And Dolls, Little Shop Of Horror to name a few. Ensemble sealed the deal. He loved what he did and he will never be forgotten.
Alicia Addie
September 4, 2015
If I had not been scanning the Hower Facebook page I would not have known Mr. Chapman passed. He was a bright light and inspiration to me and all who sang for and with him at Hower. Prayers to you and your family.
Gerald Smith
June 17, 2014
Sorry to hear of Denny's passing. We remember all the good time we had growing up in South Akron. We pray for his family and friends during this time of loss. God speed my friend.
Linda & Gerald Smith
June 16, 2014
I am very sorry to hear of Denny's passing. May he rest in peace and his many special memories bring you peace.
David Gallit
South High - '61
Gary Verbosky
May 31, 2014
I have been out of town and just heard that we lost Denny. I am so sorry for your loss. Denny had a special talent of sharing his love of life with everyone. He will remain in hearts forever. Gary & Dian Verbosky and family.
Jerry Gifford
May 28, 2014
Mr Chapman will always be with me. I think of him all the time and the great memories made in Choir, Ensemble and our Musicals. RIP and thanks for caring about all us kids!!
CIndy Hays Peck
May 24, 2014
I just heard about Mr. Chapman's death. He was my choir director for 2 years at East High. My fondest memory is performing "Once Upon a Mattress" my senior year. I was never the star, or the strongest voice, but I am still singing 30 years later. Thanks Chap-dog! Cindy Hays Peck
May 23, 2014
My thoughts and prayers are with Denny and his family.Rest in peace Denny.
Steve Blankenship
South High School
Class of 1961
Dave Breth
May 23, 2014
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Dave Breth and Vivian
SABRINA NORMAN (STRONG)
May 23, 2014
RIP MR.CHAPMAN.....U WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN!!!
Sherri Marina
May 22, 2014
I am an actress because he believed I could be. Sending you much love!
May 22, 2014
Linda and family, I am so sorry for your loss, Denny will be greatly missed and he was a great friend to all.
Prayers go to you and the family.
Love, Char
Ted and Nancy Papp
May 22, 2014
Linda and family. We are sorry about your loss. Denny will be missed by all who knew him.
Joan Gipson
May 22, 2014
I had the privilege to work with Chappy for several years at East High School in Akron. When I think of him I remember that smile. It never disappeared. My daughter had him as a teacher and often commented about how much fun he was. I remember the Murder Mystery we attended on NW Avenue. What fun. A beautiful spirit has found his wings. God Bless.
Bill and Dorothy Murphy
May 22, 2014
Linda, Dawn Marie and Family:
We were very sorry to hear about your loss. We have many happy memories of attending parties, Chorus events and Grotto activities with Denny.
You have our deepest sympathies. He will truly be missed by all who knew him.
Jeannette King (Goodloe)
May 21, 2014
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Chapman family. I had him as a music teacher at East High. I remember how much he loved music and was so into it. He always had a smile on his face and was so funny. May you all remember his joyous spirit. God Bless..
Theresa Friedrichsen-Boyer
May 21, 2014
We send our deepest condolences to all of you during this time of sorrow. Hold your loving memories near and dear to your heart, for his spirit lives within each of you.
Matt and Theresa Boyer
Pam and Gary Collinson
May 21, 2014
Linda, Dawn and Scott,
We were shocked and so very sad to hear that our beloved Denny passed away so suddenly. He was a great friend to us and we will miss him so much. We'll never forget those crazy Browns games and cookouts. Denny's BBQ ribs were the best! We love you all and are thinking about you and the rest of the family.
Bobbi & Gary Briggs
May 21, 2014
We are truly sorry for your loss. He will be missed; however, he will live on in our memories.
Ashley Warlop
May 21, 2014
My condolences to the family. He was an amazing man. Mr Chapman was my music teacher at East High School. I've always admired him.
Lisa Garber (Schweitzer)
May 20, 2014
I always loved Mr. Chapman aka Mr. Chapstick! If it wasn't for him I don't believe I would have ever had the confidence to sing in front of a crowd. He always made music fun and I will never forget what he has done for me musically! My deepest condolences to all of you! Much Love!
Class of 1999 East High School
Sarah Nanassy
May 20, 2014
Linda and family,
I send my deepest sympathy to you and your family. Mr. Chapman was there from my elementary music days and all the way through high school. He brought me out of my shell and taught me to love music for what it is. I have many fond memories in the music room and on stage that will be with me forever. He was an inspiration to many.
May he rest in eternal peace.
hugs sent from Sarah Nanassy (Markel)
Mary Williams
May 20, 2014
Great man, will be dearly missed by all the lives he touched.
Renee Idley-Wilson
May 20, 2014
Chapman Family
I remember Mr. Chapman from South High School. He was such a nice gentleman with a big smile and always said hello if paths crossed. May God bless you all and give you strength through this difficult time.
May 20, 2014
He touched many lives in many positive ways. My deepest sympathy to his family.
Patricia A. Ross
East High Class of 72
May 20, 2014
What a joy to have known and worked with Denny. He was a caring teacher, a good friend and most of all a loving husband and father. I will miss him. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Paula and Ron Stuecher
Amy Cossey
May 20, 2014
I had the honor of knowing Mr Chapman for the last 27 years. He helped me discover my love for singing and all things musical, and he taught me that everything can always be better with a little music in the background. His passion for music and life taught me so much and made such a big impact on me. I give my deepest sympathies to his family and will keep you all in my prayers.
Crystal Boskovitch "98"
May 20, 2014
Great choir teacher, will be missed a great deal.
Rob Phillips
May 20, 2014
Linda, Dawn and Family.
I had many wonderfull musical moments with Denny. He always made me smile and helped me to know the true meaning of creative expression. I learned a great deal about choral conducting from him and how to achieve just the right sound from the ensemble.
My thoughts and prayers are with you. He now sings eternal with Gods choir.
May 20, 2014
I am so sorry for your loss. Denny was a very sweet man , and i have fond memories of him .
You all are in my thoughts and prayers.
Kristy,Holly and Chad Tissue
John Floyd, Jr
May 20, 2014
Dear Linda and Family,
My condolences on your lose. I am proud to have known him personally and as a colleague at South and East. I enjoyed talking to him from time to time. He touched many with his smile, uplifting spirit and passion to help others.
He will be missed by us all.
Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
God Bless you.
Dave & Cindy Alcorn (Kropp)
May 20, 2014
Linda, Dawn & Scott. our deepest sympathy to you at this time. Sending prayers for your families. We are saddened to read of Dennis' passing, always a pleasant man. Remember to always "smile" when you think of him..and remember the good times!!!!!
Don & Sara Jane Cullison
May 20, 2014
Dear Linda, Dawn Marie & Scottie: Our sincere sympathy is extended to you and your family at this sad time. Denny was a good Brother and friend. He and his talents will be missed by all of us.
Love, Don & Sara Jane.
Jean Flinn
May 20, 2014
Dear Dawn Marie & Family:
My heart aches for you! I LOVED being around your father because his enthusiasm for music was contagious! Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this most difficult time.
Danielle Starkey
May 20, 2014
My heart is truly breaking! Mr. Chapman was the light of East High School! He NEVER took himself too seriously. He made us laugh daily. He instilled a passion for music in my heart that carried on WAY past high school. He encouraged me to continue in music during college and even sang with his beautiful wife in my wedding. Linda, you and Denny were the perfect models of what a beautiful partnership and loving couple should be! I can still see the way you looked at each other and I get a smile. Love oozed from both of you. I always felt part of your family and have loved seeing your kids grow up into amazing adults. Denny sang his way into my heart! I know he will be missed.
Don & Debbie Friedrichsen
May 20, 2014
Dear Dawn Marie and family:
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this most difficult time. Your tribute to your father was absolutely beautiful. May you find comfort holding on to the many wonderful memories; and may you find peace knowing he is no longer suffering. He is in Heaven singing with the angels to our Father and watching over all of you. Peace be with you always...
Melissa Gardner
May 20, 2014
I always loved being in the school musical with Mr. Chapman. His passion for teaching music and musical theater was contagious. Since becoming a teacher myself, Mr. Chapman is one of the teachers I look up to and I hope to one day become as good as he was.
Jil Clark
May 20, 2014
Prayers being sent to the Chapman family. Denny will be greatly missed but never forgotten.
The Staff of Newcomer Funeral Home
May 20, 2014
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
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