Obituary of Thomas Chapman

Thomas Stuart Chapman, 85 born on Martha’s Vineyard May 20, 1934 and long-time resident of Duxbury, MA passed away peacefully at his home on April 11, 2020 following an extended illness. He is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Carol Scrivener Chapman of Duxbury, three children, son Eric & Sharon Chapman of Star, Idaho; son Lance & Gwynne Chapman of Hingham, MA; and daughter Christa Chapman Mente of Omaha, NE as well as six wonderful grandchildren; Casey his favorite granddaughter, the young gentlemen westerners Corey & Kirk, and Nathan, Jeffrey & Daniel who were all admirers of their grandpa’s “Dessert King” antics. There are also numerous adoring nieces and nephews, along with his loving siblings Ann Seadale of Barton, VT and Mary Helen Smith of Framingham, MA. He was predeceased by his older brothers Robert and Parker and sisters Barbara James and Jean Trebby. He attended Vineyard Schools until his sophomore year when he transitioned to and later graduated from The Darrow Prep School in New Lebanon, NY. He attended college and went on to graduate Dean’s List with a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst in 1958. Later, he went on to earn a Master’s degree in Education from Boston State College. Just prior to graduating UMass, he married his cherished wife Carol in Wollaston, MA on January 25th, 1958. Following graduation he began a lifelong career working for the Massachusetts Department of Youth Services where he touched countless lives and made a positive impact for young people throughout the state. He started as a Juvenile Training Counselor for the Massachusetts Division of Youth Services in 1959-60 and then worked as a teacher at The Industrial School for Boys in Shirley, MA where amongst other duties, he improvised English lessons by having the students read the Globe sports pages and even directed his first (and last), school play. Shortly, following the birth of the couple’s first child, in 1960 the young family moved to Braintree, MA and he accepted a position as a Community Representative for the Massachusetts Department of Youth Services in Boston until 1970. During this period both his other two children were born in 1961, and exactly two years later in 1963. The family then relocated briefly from 1970-71 to the small town of Zephyrhills, FL where both he and Carol taught at the local elementary school there. He returned to his native Massachusetts a year later, in search of a better education for his children, and the family permanently settled in Duxbury. He resumed work with the Department of Youth Services and was named an Assistant Regional Director in 1972. He was elevated to the Assistant Director of Departmental Evaluation and Case Work Training Coordinator in 1983 and eventually became the Assistant Director for the Department of Youth Services Training from 1986 until his retirement in 1991. Tom was intensely passionate and curious about the world around him. He studied finances constantly, followed the markets daily and offered sage advice to those around him. A rebel with many causes, he supported them generously both publicly and privately. He was an avid reader, loved to debate politics and often wished he could right every perceived wrong in the world. He was a proud champion of the forgotten, the lonely, and disenfranchised. An independent thinker, and strong advocate for Civil Rights, he was always willing to speak up for his beliefs. A legacy and a challenge he leaves for us all to follow. He was a long-time member of the Duxbury Men’s Club, Old Colony Club of Plymouth and Hilltop Athletic Association in Kingston. Throughout his years in Duxbury he was extremely active with the town’s Senior Center, gardening and landscaping there. One of the community’s leading volunteer activists, he helped folks throughout town by driving them to appointments, delivering meals, groceries, medications, or shoveling walkways. His dedication to helping others was reflected in multiple nominations as the town’s Volunteer of the Year, and was twice so honored. For several years he also enjoyed riding in the local 4th of July parade attired as “Uncle Sam” alongside Carol as “Lady Liberty”. Tom loved to be outdoors most of all, whether for work or play, and he spent countless hours working in his yard, playing golf and tennis, and biking with Carol along the Cape Cod Canal. The ocean air always lured him back to the Duxbury Bay where he so loved to swim, kayak and most of all go clamming for family and friends. His other passions included music of all kinds, and played as loud as possible, so he could sing along without others noticing. He enjoyed following many sports, but was a particularly huge fan of Roger Federer whose big matches would require no other distractions. A fanatic about a healthy diet and exercise, his big weakness was dessert, especially ginger ice cream or Mr. Goodbar chocolate. He also loved to travel and over the years explored nearly all 50 states, Canada, Mexico, Costa Rica, Europe, and the Bahamas among other fun adventures. He was a kind and gentle lover of animals, who cared for several family dogs over the years with many walks through the woods and along the beach. In his later years he also took to feeding a virtual forest full of birds and other animals around his yard, and some would actually follow him around on his daily feedings. Tom’s love for his family and friends was likewise intense, and he always made a point to let them know that. His Yankee frugality, tenacious work ethic and lifelong example of helping others lives on for those willing to follow his lead. He will be forever loved by us all, and although his mischievous smile shall be sadly missed, on days when the onshore winds blow, his presence will still be felt in the rustling leaves, swaying pines and chirping birds in the woods along Kingstown Way. And when the winds shift out to sea that same enduring spirit can also be found out between the Vineyard and the Bay, rocking in the waves with the fresh spray of salt air, to remind us all what a beautiful world we have and need to care for! Due to the current pandemic conditions, and in consideration for all his family and friends, a memorial service will be suspended until such time as we are able to gather safely and celebrate his life together. In his remembrance, all are encouraged to make a charitable gift to Doctors Without Borders at www.doctorswithoutborders.org