Joseph Edward "Eddie" Chappell Jr.

1943 - 2020

Waterford - Joseph Edward "Eddie" Chappell Jr., CMDCM (SS), 77, formerly of Waterford, passed away with his daughters by his side at Hartford Hospital Nov. 13, 2020, due to complications from Parkinson's disease. Like he dealt with all experiences in life, Eddie managed his illness with extraordinary strength and grace.

Eddie was a beloved father, brother, uncle and friend. He was born to parents Joseph Edward Chappell Sr. and Daisy Cullum Chappell June 18, 1943, in Meridian, Miss. As the son of a U.S. Army sergeant first class, Eddie and his six younger siblings spent most of their childhood living throughout the United States and Germany, where his love of traveling began. They were a close knit family and would spend all of their vacation time visiting their many relatives in Mississippi. During his school years, Eddie excelled academically and was skilled in many sports including football, boxing and diving.

Because of his deep love for his country and long family tradition of military service, Eddie enlisted in the United States Navy in 1961. It was during the time he was stationed at the New London-Groton Naval Submarine Base in 1963, that he was introduced to the love of his life on a blind date. Joyce Love was a beautiful nursing student from Hartford and, as Eddie would say, he was "punching above his weight." She found him charming and witty and loved his southern accent. Eddie and Joyce were married Sept. 5, 1964, and remained happily married until her passing June 15, 2009. As a military couple, they lived up and down the East Coast, until finally settling in Waterford in the spring of 1976. There they raised their two daughters and became active members of the community.

Eddie served in the United States Navy for 22 years, retiring at the age of 40, in 1983, after a highly decorated career. He served in various ranks on several submarines: USS T. Roosevelt, USS A. Hamilton, USS U.S. Grant, USS C. Pulaski and USS Indianapolis; and ultimately achieved the rank of command master chief (SS) U.S. Navy Submarine Service; and, at the time, he was the youngest in the Navy to achieve "chief of the boat." Following his years on submarines, Eddie finished his naval career as a member of the Navy Shore Patrol unit at the New London-Groton U.S. Submarine base. Upon his retirement from the Navy, Eddie was bestowed a Proclamation from the Town of Waterford that December 9, 1983, would be known as "J. Edward Chappell Day." This was to acknowledge his dedicated and honorable service in the military and many contributions to the Waterford community. Following his time in the Navy, Eddie began his second career with the Waterford Police Department, retiring as sergeant after 15 years of service. His decision to retire a second time was because, in his own words, "work was getting in the way of my golf game." In addition to being a near-scratch golfer, Eddie was also an avid sports fan with a passion for UConn women's basketball and the Connecticut Sun. He enjoyed being a "snowbird" with his best friends in Brooksville, Fla. and traveling all over the world. As a foodie, when asked if he liked a meal, Eddie would quip, "Does a big bear skip in the woods?"

Eddie is survived by his loving daughters, Elizabeth Chappell and her partner Leslie Golemba of Glastonbury and Melissa Chappell of Winthrop, Mass. He is also survived by his sister Nancy Bilardo and her husband Phil of Tavares, Fla.; brothers, Jerry Chappell and his wife Kyle of Haslet, Texas and John "Bull" Chappell of Arlington, Texas; and sister-in-law Hope Glover of Ocean Isle, N.C. In addition, he is survived by many wonderful nieces, nephews and cousins throughout the United States. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife Joyce; parents Daisy and Joseph; in-laws Roy E.J. Love and Florence Henderson Love; sisters, Virginia Decker and Carrie Combs; brother James E. Chappell Sr.; and brother-in-law Michael Glover. He is also predeceased by his second wife Linda Mahoney of Spring Hill, Fla.; and survived by her children, Denise and Joseph D'Onofrio, along with their children and grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held in Waterford at a later date in 2021, followed by a burial at Arlington National Cemetery.