Roger S. Chapman

1935 - 2014

NORTHFIELD - Roger Samuel Chapman, 79, of Northfield died peacefully at home on Thursday, with two of his sons at his bedside.
Born January 8, 1935 in Pittsfield, Mass., Roger was the son of Mortimer H. and Ruth L. Salmon Chapman and youngest of eight children: sister Ethel Hanson of Richmond survives Roger; predeceased siblings are: sister Helen Chapman and brothers Clifford Chapman, Malcolm Chapman, Ernest Chapman, Russell Chapman, and William Chapman.
Growing up on the family farm in Richmond instilled Roger's values of authenticity, quiet yet compassionate citizenship, and a deep kinship to nature and wildlife. Roger received his education in his native town of Richmond and graduated from Pittsfield High School. He served in the U.S. Army from 1955-57 as a radar operator.
Roger delighted in his wife and love of his life, the former Lea Marie Frechette of Pittsfield who predeceased him in 1997. Roger and Lea met on a blind date and they felt heaven on earth. They were married in June of 1958 and together built their life and raised a family of six children. They are survived by their children, Deborah Chapman and Michael Johnson of Raleigh, North Carolina; Linda and Joseph Medeiros of Northfield; Paul and Susan Chapman of Louisville, Kentucky; John Chapman of Northfield; Kenneth Chapman of Northfield; Andrew Chapman and Laura Lashway-Chapman of Northfield and six grandchildren: Lea Rachel; Jared; Michael "Mac" and his betrothed Shelby L. Norton; Samuel; Cameron; and Lea Elan.
Roger's career in banking was marked by his financial expertise, innovation, and an exceptional ability to relate with people. He entered the banking field in 1952 with an offer personally extended by the President of the Union Federal Savings & Loan Association in Pittsfield. In 1960, he moved his young family to Greenfield and joined the savings and real estate departments of the Franklin County Trust where he was promoted to manager of the savings department and real estate officer in 1966 and then to assistant treasurer in 1972. In 1978, Roger was elected assistant vice president and manager of the real estate department.
Roger enjoyed his family and dear friends, vegetable gardening, nature, wildlife, classic country music, good conversation, and repairing old farming equipment and automobiles.
Burial with a private family service will take place in the spring.