Obituary: Ronald C. Chappell, 83, Of Ledyard

Written by Byles MacDougall Funeral Service

Ronald Charles Chappell, son of Lester C. and Tekla (Johnson) Chappell, died November 28, 2017 after a long battle with COPD and Alzheimer's. A descendant of the first white girl born in New London, Mary Hempstead, he also was born in New London July 24, 1934.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Lorraine Anderson Chappell; three children, Chris Chappell (Leslie), Elizabeth Chappell (Jack Wilson, Jr.), and Peter Chappell (Cynthia Wall); nine grandchildren, Catherine, Thomas, Allen and Heidi Chappell, Kathryn, Joshua, and Jill Wilson, and Gavin and Addisyn Wall. He was predeceased by his parents and his siblings, Anita Ladden, David Chappell, and Elizabeth Bongo.

Ron served his obligatory two years in the U.S. Army. He retired after 27 years from Pfizer. He later worked and volunteered at the Mystic Seaport until his 80th birthday after enjoying his cruise aboard the restored Charles W. Morgan.

Ron’s service to the community included 20 years as the chairman of the Groton Shellfish Commission. As a member of Groton Congregational Church and chairman of its Property Committee, he was responsible for facilitating major restoration projects such as removing and restoring the large stained glass window, repointing the entire stone structure, and re-tiling the roof.

Ron was a member of the Shennecossett Beach Club for 50 years, serving a term on its Board of Directors; and he was also Scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop 75 in the late 50’s and early 60’s.

Ron will be remembered as a loving husband, father, and grandfather, skilled carpenter, gentleman farmer, fine furniture maker and innovative problem solver.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday afternoon, Dec. 2 at 3 p.m. at the Groton Congregational Church. There are no visiting hours.

Donations in his memory may be directed to the Restoration Fund, Groton Congregational Church, 162 Monument St. Groton, CT 06340 or to Hospice of SE CT, 227 Dunham St., Norwich, CT 06360.

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