Denis E. Chapdelaine

CHICOPEE - Denis Eugene Chapdelaine died on April 11, 2016 at the age of 69 after a prolonged battle with diabetes, heart and kidney diseases. He was born on March 15, 1947 in Holyoke, Massachusetts. He is predeceased by his parents, Norma Viola and Paul Victor Chapdelaine. His passion to serve his country led him to join the US Navy at age 18. During his time of service, Mr. Chapdelaine completed three tours of duty in Vietnam. He was a member of USN MCB 11, D Company. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal w/FMF Device and 03 Bronze Stars; the Vietnam Campaign Medal w/Device; and a Navy Unit Commendation. After his honorable discharge from the Navy, he served as a member of the National Guard. He and his wife Theresa were married on December 30, 1967 in Escondido, California and, after his military service, they settled in Chicopee, where he worked at Uniroyal Tire Company and later at James River Graphics. He leaves behind four children and their spouses, Scott Denis Chapdelaine and his wife Kristen of Chicopee, Paul Victor Chapdelaine of Chicopee, Laura Lee Moore and her husband Charles of Leverett, and Bonnie Lee Wilder and her husband Dan of Chicopee. He spent many wonderful years camping, fishing and hunting with his family and friends but his greatest love was time with and love for his 11 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. He will be missed by Amanda, Lauren, Devin, Hailey, Hannah, Owen, Chloe, Jayleen, Abigail, Dan Jr, Evelyn and Anastasia. In addition to his wife, Theresa, and his children and grandchildren, Mr. Chapdelaine is survived by two brothers David Chapdelaine of South Bethany Beach, Delaware and Daniel Chapdelaine of South Hadley, Massachusetts, and one sister, Diana Scott of Waldorf, Maryland. Although he suffered from post- traumatic stress disorder, his powerful faith and the love of his wife and family served to anchor him throughout the remainder of his life. The support of his Church family at Second Baptist of South Hadley gave him both spiritual and tangible strength. Funeral services will be held at Second Baptist Church of South Hadley at 11 AM on April 30, 2016. Family and friends will gather on May 3, 2016 at 8 AM at New England Funeral & Cremation Center, LLC 25 Mill Street, Springfield, MA and process to the Massachusetts Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery for burial with military honors. Memorial donations may be made in Denis’ memory to Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675. Visit www.nefcc.net We invite you to send a message of condolence to the Chapdelaine family at www.nefcc.net

Denis E. Chapdelaine

March 15, 1947 - April 11, 2016