Obituary of Jay E. Chapman

Smethport – Jay E. Chapman, Jr., 92, of Smethport, PA died April 20, 2018 in the Bradford Manor. He was born on August 23, 1925 in Bradford, PA, a son of Jay E. Chapman and Inez Church Chapman. On May 28, 1947, he married Gloria L. Harvey, who died January 4, 1995. On December 21, 1996, he married Patricia L. Larson, who survives. Mr. Chapman had worked for South Penn Oil Company for nine years and for Dresser Manufacturing Division for thirty-five years, retiring in 1990. He was also an independent insurance agent for thirty-five years. He was a veteran of World War II having served with the 23D Signal Heavy Construction Battalion in Burma and in the Korean Conflict with the 590th Signal Heavy Construction Company. He was discharged with the rank of Sergeant First Class. He was a member of St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Smethport, McKean Lodge #388 Free and Accepted Masons where he served as Secretary for seven years, a life member of Coudersport Consistory and of the Zem Zem Shrine. He was also a life member of the Keating Sportsmen's Club and a member of the Norwich Sportsmen's Club. In addition to his wife, he is survived by five children, Lisa J. (Pauline Farmer) Chapman, Andrew J. (Terri) Chapman, Sarah L. (Richard Hoffman-dec'd) Chapman, Christopher P. (Dianna) Chapman and Claudia E. (James) Stein. He is also survived by Tamara Case and Timothy Coldren, children of his wife, as well as seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents and first wife, he was preceded in death by a sister, Inez Louise Knill. There will be no visitation. Friends are invited to a memorial service to be held at St. Luke's Episcopal Church, Smethport, at a later date and time to be announced. Burial will be at the convenience of the family. Memorials, if desired, may be made to St. Luke's Episcopal Church, Smethport. Online condolences may be made at www.hartle-tarboxfuneralhomes.com. Arrangements are under the direction of the Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., Smethport.