Morris- Russell “Russ” E. Chapman, Jr., 91, passed away peacefully at home on May 2, 2017. He was the beloved husband of Jacqueline (Lavigne) Chapman.

Russell was born on March 24, 1926, in Hingham, MA, and was a direct descendant of Peregrine White, a child who was born on the Mayflower.

He was a WWII veteran, serving on the USS George W. Ingram in the pacific theater of operations from 1944-1946. He met his wife of 68 years, Jackie, in 1948. The couple settled in Thomaston in 1950 where they started The Thomaston Cabinet and Millwork Co. Later, in 1981, he and his sons started Chapman Lumber Inc., where he remained active in the millwork shop until he retired at the age of 70.

Russ was a gentleman farmer throughout his adult life, raising beef cattle and pigs, while also enjoying the fine art of bee keeping. Vegetable and flower gardening were his true passions and he maintained diverse and bountiful plantings every year. He was also a devout lifelong Boston Red Sox fan.

He is predeceased by two sons, Russell E. Chapman, III, and David W. Chapman. He is survived by his wife Jackie Chapman; his daughter, Gail R. Berry, and her husband, Rick, of NSW Australia; his son Stuart W. Chapman, and his wife, Lynn, of Litchfield, CT; his ten grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

At Russell’s request, there will be no calling hours or memorial service. In lieu of flowers or any donations, please honor Russ by offering a gesture of kindness to a fellow veteran in need.

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