Richard D. Chappius

Longtime Funeral Home Employee
 

Richard D. Chappius, 85, of Upper Deerfield Township died early Saturday morning January 16, 2010 at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania where he was a patient for five days. He had been in declining health for the last year.

The husband of Ann E. (nee Petras) Chappius, he was born in Bridgeton and was the son of the late Charles M. and Blanche (nee Delp) Chappius. A lifelong Bridgeton area resident, he was a 1943 graduate of Bridgeton High School where he had been member of the varsity basketball team.

Following high school he entered the United States Marine Corps and proudly served his country in the Asiatic and Pacific Theaters. As a Staff Sergeant, he was a radar operator and saw active duty in Okinawa, Engebi Island, Kwajalein Atoll and the Johnston and Majura Islands. After his discharge in 1946, he served for five years as a member of the USMC Reserves.

Mr. Chappius was employed by the US Postal Service in Bridgeton for 42 years. He started as a mail carrier and later worked in a supervisory capacity before his retirement. For several years he also worked with Ed Black and Herb Henry, who were fellow post office employees, painting and wallpapering the homes of many local residents. In "retirement," which started in 1985, he began working at the Freitag Funeral Home in Bridgeton where he worked as a limousine driver and greeter for 23 years. He was a familiar and friendly face to many from the Bridgeton community during their attendance at viewings and funerals. He retired from "his second career" in 2008.

An active member of the St. Teresa of Avila RC Church in Bridgeton, Mr. Chappius has been an usher for many years at the 5 o'clock Saturday Mass. He was also a volunteer at all of the church's special events. In addition, he was a member and former president of the Catholic War Veterans, Chapter #1578.

He was the president of his high school class reunion committee and in his younger days played in the city basketball and softball leagues. He also helped to coach and manage in Bridgeton Little League and Bridgeton Babe Ruth.

Always a sports enthusiast, Rich enjoyed golfing for many years. He also loved taking care of his yard, especially cutting his grass.

In addition to his wife Ann, whom he married on September 8, 1946, he is survived by two sons, Richard Chappius of New Braunfels, TX and Bruce Chappius and his wife Marilyn of Vineland, his former daughter-in-law, Dorothy Chappius of Bridgeton, eight grandchildren, Andrea Samuels (Chris) Ragan Chappius (companion Douglas Miletta), Richard Chappius, Malissa Busconi (Brett), Michael Chappius (Natalie), Katie, Stacey and Megan Chappius, seven great grandchildren, Julia Marie, Alaina, Cole, Saniya, Miles, Alex and Michael and one brother, Russell Chappius and his wife Beverly of Hopewell Township. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Charles and Harry Chappius.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the funeral which will originate at the Freitag Funeral Home, 137 W. Commerce St., Bridgeton, NJ on Thursday morning January 21st at 10:30 and will be followed by an 11 o'clock Funeral Liturgy at the St. Teresa of Avila RC Church, 46 Central Avenue, Bridgeton.

The burial with military honors will take place at the Cumberland County Veteran's Cemetery in Hopewell Township.

Friends will be received at the funeral home Wednesday evening from 6 until 8 and also Thursday morning from 9:30 until 10:30.

Memorial contributions in Mr. Chappius' memory are suggested to the Good Shepherd Dining Hall - St. Vincent dePaul Society, c/o St. Teresa of Avila RC Church, 46 Central Avenue, Bridgeton, NJ 08302.

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