Peter Dennis Chapkin

After a sudden illness, Peter Dennis Chapkin, age 83, passed away at Saint Luke’s on the Plaza on Friday, August 6, 2021, surrounded by his loving family. He is survived by his wife and the love of his life, Donna, his four great kids Laurie Chapkin, Eileen Beverly (Steve), Amy Hallett (Mathew), and Paul Chapkin (Megan Harrington). He was the proud grandfather of Kristin McIntyre (Joe), Benjamin Hallett, Ella Hallett, Josie Beverly, Colin Chapkin and Nicholas Chapkin. He was the older brother of Evelyn Graf (Bill) and uncle to Becky Franciskovich (Tony) and their two daughters, Brooke and Casey, and uncle to Sean Michael Felix. He was the brother-in-law of Paula Spurrier and uncle to Cara Jester (Eric) and their children, Joey and Natalie.

Peter was preceded in death by his sweet grandson Ryan Chapkin, his handsome young nephew Thomas Felix, his parents Peter and Ann Chapkin and his many uncles and aunts.

Pete was born and raised in Chicago. As a young man he was a life guard and then one of the first scuba divers in the Chicago area. He said at one time he thought of working with Jacques Cousteau. He enjoyed fishing and his fishing trips with his Dad and his buddies from West Pullman. An avid golfer, his times on the course lessened as his family grew and his body aged, but his love of the game never did.

Pete served in Thailand during the beginning of the Vietnam War. He was very proud of his service and often talked about his experiences and the men he served with.

He retired from what was originally Western Electric, then AT&T after 40 years. Then worked for Nokia and the IRS. While working for AT&T Pete transferred from the Chicago area to Michigan. He, Donna and children lived there for 14 wonderful years and developed long-lasting friendships. Pete transferred to Kansas City with Donna, daughter Amy, and son Paul in 1991. Over the next 30 years due to fate, good fortune or just plain happenstance, his daughters Eileen and then Laurie also moved to the Kansas City area. He felt blessed to have all his children and grandchildren near. Peter was a bright, quiet, caring man with a quick wit and great sense of humor. His family has happy memories of playing poker, charades and laughing hysterically at his word definitions during the family dictionary game. He can’t be replaced, will always be missed and lovingly remembered.

Visitation will be at 10 am with a Mass to follow at 11 am at St Mark Catholic Church, 3736 South Lee’s Summit Road, Independence, Missouri on Wednesday, August 18, 2021. Regrettably, due to the Delta variant, the family is unable to host a reception after the service.

In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to Children’s Mercy Hospital, Department of Philanthropy, 2401 Gillham Rd, Kansas City, MO 64108.

Condolences

  1. Patricia Marschall on August 11, 2021 at 1:53 pm

    Donna and family,
    I’m so sorry to read of Peter’s death. We never know when God will call us home. I never met him but feel like I knew him through your wonderful family posts. You have so many wonderful memories. My prayers to all the family.



  2. Mimi Elias on August 11, 2021 at 2:50 pm

    Wonderful man and will be celebrated in every heart he touched. My love and prayers to all of the Chapkin family. I’m with you all in my heart as you celebrate your husband, dad, grandfather, etc. With much love, respect and memories of he and all of you.



  3. Jacki Jackson on August 11, 2021 at 3:21 pm

    Dearest Donna and family. I am so very sorry for your lost. I always enjoyed the funny stories you would tell about Pete when we worked together. You guys were made for each other! Maybe we can meet with Pam for lunch. I would love to be with you guys again.
    My deepest heartfelt sympathy.
    Much Love,
    Jacki



  4. Dennis J McKay on August 11, 2021 at 3:38 pm

    Sorry for your loss prayers for family



  5. Monica Jordan Simpson on August 11, 2021 at 4:03 pm

    Donna and family, I am so sorry to hear of your husband’s passing. I do see many posts of your family, the grandchildren, celebrations and of you and Pete. You have a beautiful family! I will keep Pete and all your family in my prayers. May His Soul Rest In Peace.



  6. Nichola Stasiak on August 11, 2021 at 6:06 pm

    So very sorry for your loss.
    Sir, thank you for your service…



  7. Marion Morgan on August 11, 2021 at 7:49 pm

    I am so deeply sorry about your terrible loss. Thinking of you all and sending prayers during this sad and painful time.



  8. Dick Anderon on August 11, 2021 at 9:14 pm

    Donna and family, I am so sorry for your loss. It’s been many years since I have seen Pete but I have such fond memories of the times we were together. The beautiful memories you have as a family will carry you through these difficult days. Take care.



  9. Chris and Marcia Bigelow on August 12, 2021 at 7:15 am

    Dear Donna, Paul, Laurie, Eileen, and Amy
    We are very sorry to hear of Pete’s passing. Your family were always great neighbors and we have many fun memories of our kids growing up together. Our thoughts will be on you and your family.



  10. Peggy Green on August 12, 2021 at 6:54 pm

    My Dearest Donna and All –
    I am deeply saddened by Pete’s passing. I loved him very much and will miss him terribly. I cannot imagine how gut wrenching and painful this must be for all of you. I pray that you have moments of comfort sharing beautiful and funny memories of such an amazing man.
    All of my love and deepest sympathy.



  11. Alison Creal on August 13, 2021 at 11:03 pm

    My condolences to the Chapkin family. May the Lord hold him forever in the palm of his hands and may perpetual light shine upon him. Prayers and comfort to the family.



  12. Alexander G. Kapocius, Orland Park , IL on December 28, 2021 at 9:09 pm

    Deepest condolences to Donna and the entire family. “Pete” and I grew up together in Chicago’s West Pullman area, just a block apart. Pete and I graduated from SS. Peter and PAUL grammar school. We enjoyed many happy times together including vacationing and taking week-end trips together when we were single. In our younger years we played a lot of baseball on the LeRose Coal and Oil open field vacant property. Pete was a great guy; he got along well with everybody. I am sorry that this sympathy is so late. Just found about Pete’s passing in a Christmas card received (12/27/2021) from one of our common friends. We will remember Pete in our prayers. And we will ask Almighty God to provide Donna and the family with extra strength to endure this loss.



  13. Kyle O'Mara on December 14, 2022 at 11:36 pm

    My deepest condolences for your loss. I never met Peter but I worked with Laurie at JCCC and I can tell he must have been a brilliant, caring and intelligent man to have a daughter like her. A Masonic saying states, “What Virtue binds in life Death may never separate”. You family is in my thought and prayers.



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