Herman N. Chapman

Mr. Herman N. Chapman, 79 passed away after a brief illness at his home in Waterbury, CT.

He was born on November 6, 1942, in Chesapeake, Virginia. He was the eldest of fourteen children born to the late Reverend Merritt N. Chapman and Louise (Morgan) Chapman. He received his education at the R.R Moton Elementary School and Edward W. Wyatt High School in Emporia, Virginia. He also attended Post College in Waterbury, CT, where he wor ked toward his Associate Degree in business administration.

He served his country in the United States Army, honorably serving a tour in Germany.

On September 12, 1965, Herman married the love of his youth, Mary Lucille (Braye) Chapman, in Augusta Georgia. Their union lasted a while, but they continued to be friends over the years.

Herman developed his parents’ strong work ethic and worked in many vocations . For this reason, he was known as the Jack of All Trades. He was employed as a telegraph operator with Secret Clearance during his military service and later for a company in New York for some time. He worked for Precision Method Machinery and Scovill Mfg. Company. He was employed by the United Illuminating Company for many years. He was also employed by Carpenter Brick Masonry in Bristol, CT for several years.

He was in the real estate business, renting out the properties he owned. His most cherished trade which he mastered, was brick masonry and laying stones. He learned these skills from his late uncle Cornelius Morgan in Richmond, Virginia. He enjoyed renovat ing , you can find the trademark of Herman’s gifted hands in many homes, commercial buildings, stone walls, churches and even a newly renovated McDonald’s.

Herman was not only working, but he also loved having a good time . One of his favorite pastimes was watching football. He liked to sing along with songs although he often sung off key. He loved cars, particularly the Cadillac Eldorado and Lincoln which he owned. “Herm” as the family affectionately called him had a great smile, a very distinct laug h , and a big heart. He will be deeply missed by many, especially by his family.

He leaves to cherish his memory: a daughter, LaShawnda Chapman of Waterbury, CT; two sons, Herman Lamon Marshall Chapman of Waterbury, CT and Mar l on Everett Gatling of North Carolina; three grandsons; Kenneth Smith, Dayshawn Smith and Jakai Chapman; a great grandson, Zion Smith; four brothers, Harold Chapman of Virginia, Clinton(Pauline) Chapman and Alton(Karen) Chapman both of  North Carolina, Bishop Wilbert(Helen) Chapman of Connecticut; eight sisters,  Louise Robinson of Connecticut, Hester(Willie) Miles and Wanda(Allen) Mason both of New York, Barbara Chapman, Wyome Futrell, and Vivian Jones all of Virginia, Shirley(Larry) Long of North Carolina and Pauline Chapman of Connecticut; an aunt, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He leaves a friend that was like a brother, Thomas “ Tommy ” Miles . He also leaves a special and trusted friend, Terry (Buster) Pierce .

He was predeceased by his brother, Pastor David Chapman of Virginia.

A celebration of Herman’s life will be held on Monday, January 24, 2022 at 11am at Colonial Funerals, 270 West Main Street, Waterbury. Viewing in Colonial from 10-11am. A Military service will take place graveside at the New Pine Grove Cemetery in Waterbury, CT. James R. Sanders, Funeral Director. Condolences may be expressed at Colonialfunerals.com.