Carlos A Chapman died peacefully on Sept. 14 in Apache Junction, Arizona. He was recently predeceased by his wife of 62 years, Helen McCord Chapman. He is survived by a sister Vivian Bower of LeRoy New York, a daughter Christine A. Chapman and son-in-law William A. Ohle of Sydney Australia, a daughter Colby A. Chapman and son-in-law Marc Manly of Cincinnati OH, a son Peter Chapman and daughter-in-law Patricia Chapman of Ossining NY, grandchildren Rebecca, Sarah, Justin, Allison, Taylor and McCord, step grandchildren Jessica and Adrienne, and many nieces and nephews.
He was born on March 21, 1922 in LeRoy, New York to Effie and Carlos Chapman Sr. He was an exceptional student, athlete, and leader. He met his wife as freshman at the University of Rochester. He and Helen had a deep appreciation of their college years and they returned often for reunions with those friends. 2 years ago Carlos was inducted into the U Of R Sports Hall of Fame. A picture of him and his undefeated basketball team still hangs in the hallway of the gymnasium.
Carlos served as a Captain in the Army Air Force in World War II (A Flying Tiger) and then returned to complete his degree at U of R. Helen and Carlos married after the war in Rochester. They moved to Ann Arbor, Michigan in 1947 so that he could get his MBA from the University of Michigan. After graduation Carlos worked for Argus Camera until 1961. At that time the family moved to Chappaqua, NY where Carlos was a fixture on the tennis/paddle courts, and at the First Congregational Church. His first job in NY was for Fairchild Camera who produced early home video cameras. His work with Fairchild gave his family opportunities to be home movie stars as he tested the cameras on his family at Halloween parades, marching bands and Christmas morning festivities.
Carlos continued to work in NY, first for GAF and then for Fuji Film as Executive Vice President of Marketing/Sales. Carl was instrumental in the success Fuji has experienced in the United States. Merging his love of sports with his love for his work, Carl led Fuji’s sales and marketing activities as a sponsor for the Olympics held in 1984 in L.A. He also encouraged Fuji to sponsor other major sporting events. His family proudly watched as he threw out the first baseball at several major league games against the backdrop of a Fuji billboard. He also helped launch the Quick Snap, the first disposable camera. His first office for Fuji was at the top of the Empire State Building. His kids had the envious opportunity of visiting Dad at work and seeing all of New York from his window. Carl traveled the world for Fuji oftentimes with his wife at his side.
When Carlos retired in 1994, they moved to Apache Junction (Mountain Brook), Arizona. Here they joined the Mountain Brook Methodist Church. Carlos continued to play tennis and golf until recently. Carlos loved to drive and he and Helen made many road trips from AZ see children, grandchildren, and friends
In recent years, Helen was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Carlos cared for her at home as long as he could and then Helen moved into assisted living. Despite the fact that they no longer lived together, Carlos visited his wife every day for the last 3 years. He was an inspiration to us all and a reminder of what it means to love someone forever.
Carlos Chapman had a full and happy life. He loved his family, his work, his church, and talking to anyone who would listen. He will be greatly missed.
A service will be held on November 15th. @ 2pm. at the First Congregational Church in Chappaqua. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Arizona: 2222 W.Northern Ave. Suite A-100 Phoenix Az. 85021 (Attn: Connie Frisbee)
