Willard Hedden Chapin

Willard Hedden Chapin, 88, passed away October 31, 2012 at The Bay Pines Veterans Hospice, St Petersburg, FL after a prolonged illness. He was born June 20, 1924 in Rush, Pa, the son of Ina Pearl Hedden and Walter Stanley Chapin. He was educated in Nescopeck and Berwick schools before enlisting in the Navy. When he received his Navy wings at age 19 he was one of the youngest Naval aviators in WWII and the very first from Berwick. He flew the F4U Corsair in the Pacific Theatre off the Naval carrier, USS Antietam, reaching the rank of Lieutenant JG. He was employed for almost 50 years at the Berwick Enterprise and Press Enterprise, beginning as a linotype operator in high school eventually becoming Advertising Manager. Preceded in death by Ellen V. Chapin, his wife of more than 62 years, he was the father of three children: Linda J. Chapin Stephens of Mountaintop, Pa; Jay W. Chapin of Aiken, SC; and Jane C. Chapin Gatewood of St Petersburg, FL. In addition to his children, Willard is survived by six grandchildren: Christopher A. Stephens of Nescopeck, Pa.; Dr. Matthew A. Stephens of York, Pa.; Dr. Russell W. Chapin of Charleston, SC; Dr. Ellen Jane Moore of Richmond, Va.; Emilie L Gruchow of Manhattan, NY; Benjamin A. Gruchow of West Des Moines, IA; and three great grandchildren. He was also preceded in death by brothers Walter, Jr., Herbert, Frank and Carl and sisters Elizabeth Haas and Dorothy Lear. Willard or "Chapey", as he was often called, was active in many civic organizations including the Berwick Jaycees, where he was past president and Chairman of the Christmas Boulevard. He was President of the Berwick School Board in 1965 and a life member of the Masonic Lodge. He also held various offices on the Briar Creek Council and was an active member of the Kiwanis Club. A member of the First United Methodist Church, he became a church greeter in his later years and also volunteered at Berwick Hospital. Willard loved flying as a young man; having soloed on his 16th birthday and then teaching many local men to fly after returning from the war. He enjoyed his work and especially enjoyed mentoring young employees and creating new ad promotions, putting to use his quick sense of humor. He always had time for "grandpa" projects, whether it was building a bird house, telling a good story or giving a driving lesson. He was an avid hunter and enjoyed fly fishing and just being outdoors. He was a devoted and loving husband, father, and grandfather. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Berwick Public Library, Berwick, Pa. Following his cremation service at Anderson McQueen Funeral Home his remains are entrusted to McMichaels Funeral Home in Berwick, Pa for his memorial service.