Donald W. Chapman

Donald W. Chapman passed away after a courageous battle with cancer. He lived a life full of love for his family and friends. He was born on April 5, 1944 in Stoneham, MA to the late Norman and Beatrice (Bethel) Chapman and died peacefully with family on May 17, 2022 as a resident of Hollis, NH. He grew up in Maine with his older brother Ed Chapman and an older sister Diane Walls both who have passed. His love for the outdoors sparked at a young age and be became an avid enthusiast and adventurer that lasted to the last days of his life. Growing up he fished, camped, raced soapbox derbies, and played basketball and football in high school. Don married his high school sweetheart of 54 years Jean (Cummings) where he vowed to always support his family and never to move them around. They had three children: Amy Hughes a registered nurse, Sarah Petitto a chemistry professor, and Amanda Romanello a massage therapist and business owner.

Don was Mr. Fix It and most importantly he always did more than what was on that work order. He was there for everyone who needed him and he gave great patience. He taught his daughters all that he could and he learned much about life from them as well.

Riding his Harley was his therapy. He knew every back road, making sure his rides always made a loop. He was fond of saying and proving that ALL roads lead to NH RT 31. He was a member of combat veterans motorcycle association, a local HOG group, and he initiated his own Tuesday night ride club. Don could also be found on the water in an Old Town double-ended row boat from his father where he enjoyed fly fishing and just listening to bubbles of ocean waves.

Don was a veteran of the US Army serving from 1965 to 1967 as a Specialist with the Army Security Agency. Upon returning from Germany and getting married, he worked for local service repair shops: Young’s and Marion’s before working 20+ years for John Hancock in Boston. He joined and drove for a van pool where he got a bonus second family with the riders.

He had a tremendously long battle against cancer where he showed incredible strength, endurance, and patience, but we have lost another great person to cancer. His family expresses deep gratitude for his medical team at the Mass General Hospital Cancer Center.

Don is survived by his wife Jean Chapman, his children Amy Hughes and husband Scott of San Antonio, TX, Sarah Petitto and husband Greg of Rice, MN and Amanda Romanello and husband Justin of Hollis, NH, and his two grandchildren Elena and Paxton whom he adored and shared many memories with being their Boppie, and had many grand puppies with Kylie being his special pup, as well as so many friends he made throughout all his life, especially friend and neighbor of 50 years Jack Presley. Don’s family and friends will continue to love and miss him, but we will remember him all the time when we hear a Harley rev by, when crossing a bridge to “see the boats”, when you go to fix something and wish he was there to help, and when you see a Volvo as he was the original Volvo driver of Hollis.

Following cremation, services will be private. In lieu of flowers, Don please asks you to support the Veterans’ Liberty House, 221 Orange Street, Manchester, NH 03104 and to love on your family and friends. Arrangements are in the care of Smith & Heald Funeral Home, 63 Elm Street, Milford. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please go to www.smith-heald.com.