Obituary of Thomas Raymond Chapman

THOMAS RAYMOND JOSEPH CHAPMAN, Sr. Tom Chapman, 87, of Virginia Beach, VA, was born to eternal life on Tuesday, July 2nd , 2013 after a brave battle with cancer. Born in Queens, NY on August 3rd, 1925, he lived in Virginia Beach, VA for the last 11 years. His father, Harry J. Chapman, Sr., worked as the NY RR union representative. One of Tom’s first jobs at the age of 14 was laying sawdust on the railroad tracks at the station. Later, he became the train announcer for the Stamford local of the New Haven line for the NY Railroad. The third youngest of eight children, Tom always had a job from a very early age. The family would vacation at Fair Harbor, Fire Island, NY. Tom was given the opportunity to stay the summer of his 15th year to scoop ice cream at the general store, “Eddies”. At the age of 16, and with his parents signed permission, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and proudly served aboard the USS Langley. He was a decorated radioman aboard ship and attained the rank of Radioman Third Class. He received the Asiatic-Pacific Medal – 5 Stars, Victory Medal American Theatre medal, the Philippine Liberation Ribbon – 2 Stars and a Commendation from J.W.Lutzelman, by direction. Tom is a founding member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7858 in Bernardsville, NJ. He married Anne H. John of Red Bank, N.J. Together, they had 5 children, 17 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. Tom worked as a successful salesman for Remington Rand for over 25 years. One of his territories was the meat-packing district of NY when they actually sold meat. The famed Chrysler Building was also his exclusive sales territory. When he left Remington he was their National Accounts Manager. Later he worked for Olympia International as their National Sales Director. Lastly, before his retirement, he was a consultant for Nikagima U.S.A., Inc. His work moved him along with his family to many places, including Canada and eventually Basking Ridge, NJ where the family settled in 1970. In 2002, he saw the opportunity to retire to the Virginia Beach area, where he moved next door to his beloved Ann. Tom was a passionate man who was very proud of his family, his country and his Irish heritage. He enjoyed being near the ocean, boating along the Chesapeake, his cat Domino, and many family “gatherings”. Tom is predeceased by his wife of 40 years, Anne Chapman of Basking Ridge, NJ. Tom is survived by his fiancé, Ann Barr of Virginia Beach, VA; son, Dr. Thomas R. Chapman, Jr. of Harbeson, DE; daughter, Marianne Shuster of Basking Ridge, NJ; son, Kevin Chapman of Flemington, NJ; son, Michael Chapman of Phillipsburg, NJ; daughter, Kara Elward, of Nazareth, PA; and sister Patricia Short of Charlottesville, VA, as well as 17 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. Tom was a very positive man who loved God, country and family. His family and friends will dearly miss him. May he rest in peace and may Our Lord’s perpetual light shine upon him. Visitation will be held on Sunday, July 7, 2013 at Gallaway and Crane Funeral Home, 101 S. Finley Avenue, Basking Ridge from 1:00 – 5:00 PM. Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, July 8, 2013, 10:00 am at St. Elizabeth Parish, 34 Peapack Road, Far Hills, NJ. Interment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, Basking Ridge. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. For more information please contact the Funeral Home at 908-766-0250 or to light an online condolence candle visit our website www.gcfuneralhome.com.