Thomas Henderson Chapman

Thomas Chapman was born on February 17, 1943 in Greenwich, Conn. His parents were Eugene L. Chapman and Helen H. Chapman. Tom’s older brother Gene was born in 1941. Tom was educated in Western Springs, Illinois. He graduated from Lyons Township High School in 1961. At Purdue University he studied engineering graduating with both a BS degree and a Master’s degree which he completed in 1967. Tom had lifelong pride in his alma mater. At Purdue, Tom had his own radio show which featured Broadway Music; he interviewed with famous musicians on the air. Tom had a lifelong love of American musical like Carousel, Oklahoma, and The King and I, and much of the music of Andrew Lloyd Weber including Phantom of the Opera and Jesus Christ Superstar. Tom married Virginia Adele Rice on November 30, 1974 at the Yorkville Presbyterian Church in Elmhurst, Illinois. Tom and Ginny had three children Kathleen Adele Chapman (Kate) born January 29, 1979; Emily Louis Chapman born September 2, 1980 and Andrew Thomas Chapman born September 26, 1982. Tom had a successful career in engineering working at a number of companies around the country. The family variously lived in Illinois, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania and finally in Virginia. Tom was an expert at computer controlled processes which he first applied to printing presses at major newspapers throughout the country. Later in his career he became consulting engineer with the United Postal Service helping them automate key functions. Tom’s job often meant that he was away from home for weeks at a time. He would work nights in production or distribution plants to install and test processes that ran during the day. In retirement Tom and Ginny moved to Heritage Hunt. They have loved their house on the edge of the woods sitting near the golf course. Tom loved golf all his life and was an avid player. Given his love of music he enjoyed volunteering as an usher at performances at the Hylton Center connected with the George Mason University. Eventually he worked part time as a chauffeur which allowed him to pick up and meet artists at Dulles and bring them to their hotel prior to their performance. Tom loved Collies. The family had two. Tom also loved coaching soccer which he did to support his kids and for the enjoyment of the game. He coached until he was 65. Tom enjoyed three years of unblemished retirement but was diagnosed with metastatic melanoma just one year ago. Tom died in the evening of Monday May 18th. At the hour of his death, his wife Ginny was holding his hand. Tom is survived by his loving wife Ginny, his daughter Kate, his married daughter Emily C. McQuiston, Emily’s husband Andy, their children (Tom and Ginny’s grandchildren; Alena and Lily) and by Andrew his son. Ginny, Kate, Emily and Andrew played an active role in their father’s care so that ultimately he could die at home in the presence of his family members caring for him and surrounding him. Donations may be made to Capitol Caring Hospice. The family will receive friends at Pierce Funeral Home, 9609 Center Street, Manassas, VA on Friday, May 22, 2015 from 6-8 PM where funeral services will be held on Saturday May 23, 2015 at 2:00 PM. Interment Stonewall Memory Gardens.

Thomas Henderson Chapman

February 17, 1943 - May 18, 2015