September 4, 1945 — January 12, 2024
Stephen B. Chapman, of Reading, passed away on Friday, January 12, 2024, with his family by his side. He was 78 years of age.
Stephen, known by everyone as Steve was loved by all. He was a gifted speaker. Steve loved to share many incredible life stories. Once you listened to Steve tell a story, you fell in love with him. He loved to give eloquent speeches to large gatherings, but also loved speaking to individuals. Not only was he a speaker, but he was also a great listener. He was sympathetic and easy to speak to. He made everyone feel at ease, was forgiving and compassionate.
Steve came from humble beginnings and worked tirelessly to provide for his family. He was a proud Army veteran, loved playing basketball and even had a chance to play against the Harlem Globe Trotters. He was an avid hiker, often traveling and camping to hike in the White Mountains with his wife, Donna and then later in life with his children. Steve loved all animals, especially dogs.
His work was his life and considered his coworkers part of his family. Stephen loved AW Chesterton, where he worked from his early twenties. He began working in their factory. Through hard work, leadership skills and dedication he worked his way up through the company to be an Executive Vice President. Steve worked at AW Chesterton for over 40 incredible years.
Steve traveled internationally building and leading teams of people worldwide. Even though he was in charge, he made sure he was simply a part of the team. He was the type of boss who was known as being tough, but always fair. Everyone Steve worked with was his friend. It is well known that Steve respected and treated the janitor as well as he treated the CEO everywhere he went.
Steve was full of pride and thankful for the opportunity to attend the Advanced Management Program at Harvard University. Upon graduation, Steve joined the Harvard Club of Merrimack Valley, serving as their President from 2013 – 2020.
He cherished all the friendships he made throughout life and expressed his sincere love and gratitude for them even at the end of his life.
Stephen is the beloved husband of Donna (Grava) Chapman. He is the cherished father of Beth Chapman and her significant other Augie Buonaiuto, Cheri DeFosse and her husband Ronald, Michelle Salerno and her husband Fred and Erica Chapman and her fiancé Ryan Curtin. Loving grandfather of Daniel DeFosse and Madison Curtin. Great grandfather of Carter and Emma DeFosse. Dear brother of Samuel Chapman and his wife Jackie and the late Timothy Chapman. Uncle of Keith Chapman.
Funeral from the Doherty Barile Family Funeral Home 11 Linden St. READING on Wednesday January 17th, 2024 at 9:30 am followed by a Funeral Mass Celebrating Stephen’s Eternal Life in St. Athanasius Church 300 Haverhill St Reading at 10:30 am. Interment Puritan Lawn Peabody.
Family and friends are kindly invited to gather and share memories with the family on Tuesday January 16th, 2024 in the funeral home from 4 pm to 7 pm. Parking attendants and elevator available.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in memory of Stephen to the Wounded Warrior Project at www.woundedwarriorproject.org.
