Peter B. Chapman

Peter B. Chapman passed away on Nov 20th after a brief illness. He is survived by his wife Eleanor (Ekstrand). Due to Covid 19 there will be only a private service in Plymouth, MA. Pete leaves behind his children and grandchildren who not only delighted him every day but made him very proud: Brian Chapman (Shannon) Bailey and Molly, Tara Rowley (John) and Patrick, Steven Manzoni (Jacqueline) Ben and Will, all of New Jersey, as well as Timothy Chapman (Colette) Connor, Aidan, Bridget, Ainsley of Illinois, and Michael Manzoni of California. The son of Peter and Elizabeth (Weiler) Chapman, he grew up in Newark NJ. Pete was honorably discharged as a Corporal from the US Army and worked in the newspaper industry in Newark, NYC and Boston. He later completed a BS at Rutgers University and became a CPA. He and Eleanor retired to Plymouth MA and The Villages, FL. Pete and Ellie created a remarkable 44-year marriage full of love, passion, laughter, challenge and above all, family. Their Christmas celebrations in NJ were legendary for hilarity, play, absolute delight and love for all their children and grandchildren, as well as lucky family friends. He cooked fabulous meals for all these occasions. Pete was a wonderful father, always available to his children, supporting, without fail, their ambitions and efforts despite time and distance. Pete acquired a unique wisdom about the workings of the world and was often consulted for sage advice which was provided in a non-judgmental and thoughtful style. In all things he had a knack for getting to the heart of the matter. In adolescence, Pete worked as a pinsetter in a local bowling alley and his passion for bowling was ignited. He competed for more than 35 years in sanctioned competitions at national levels. In Michigan he won the 1959 Upper Michigan All-Events Championship, 1963 President and First Lady Singles Championship, and was the 1978 March of Dimes Champion. He also won the Passaic County NJ 1976 High-Average Championship, five singles and all-events titles in the US Army Championships. Pete was inducted into the Bowling Hall of Fame for the State of NJ and both Essex and Passaic Counties. He rolled in 25 NJ state tournaments including the State Championship Team in 1970. In county championships he was on the winning teams in Morris, Union and Passaic Counties, in doubles placed 2nd in Essex and Passaic counties and 3rd in Passaic. He participated in three ABC sanctioned 800 series (823), rolled 13 sanctioned 300 games and 33 sanctioned 297-300 games. He averaged over 200 in 22 different New Jersey leagues. He has earned 2 gold and 1 silver medals in Florida International Senior Games and State Championships, 2 gold medals in Florida's Senior Games, and in the Villages competitions 2 silver and 3 bronze medals. Pete's humor, patience, wit, wisdom and intelligent discourse are sorely missed. Arrangements entrusted to Beyers Funeral Home and Crematory, Lady Lake, FL. Online condolences may be left at www.BeyersFuneralHome.com

Peter B. Chapman

December 27, 1934 - November 20, 2020