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John Chapman
March 11th, 1930 - March 23rd, 2019
March 11th, 1930 - March 23rd, 2019
John A. Chapman, 89, a resident of White Rock, NM passed away on Saturday, March 23, 2019. He was born March 11, 1930 in East St. Louis, Ill. At the age of 17 John joined the Marines and served in China and also served during the Korean War. After discharge, he worked for several railroads firing steam engines. John moved his family to Los Alamos, NM in 1956 where he served his community as a Police Officer. After a limited period of time at Los Alamos National Laboratory, he rejoined the Los Alamos Police Department and later retired in May 1988 with the rank of Sergeant. John is proceeded in death by his first wife Rosemary Chapman, brothers Earl and Charles Chapman, son-in-law Jerry Hart, granddaughters Betty Jo Hart and Diane Taylor, great grandson Nathan Elliott and great-great granddaughter Ahriah Baca. John is survived by his loving wife Clara; brother Bob (Judy) Chapman; children Janice (Bill) Taylor, Karen Hart, Diane (John) Smith; four stepchildren Loretta (Dennis), Alfonso, Denise (Gus) and Leo (Victor) Jaramillo; numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. John will be cremated and a rosary will be recited on Sunday, March 31, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. at the Rivera Family Funeral Home in Espanola, NM. Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Monday, April 1, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Los Alamos, NM. He will be laid to rest on Tuesday, April 2, 2019 at 3:00 p.m. at the Santa Fe National Cemetery in Santa Fe, NM.
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Tributes
Paula J. Gibson Msmsjesn
To my First Cousins Janice, Karen, Diane & their Families. To my Aunt Clara & her Loved Ones. My Uncle John taught me how to ride a bike 55 years ago on one of many Thanksgiving’s in Los Alamos. My Uncle John lit up every room. In all these years I never heard him speak a harsh word. My Uncle John’s smile & laughter were contagious. I hope memories like this will give you all a bit of comfort as I do in a little blue bike. God Bless.....
Mary Mckee-Horina
My sympathies to the family and friends of John. He was a fair man, and I enjoyed his friendship since 1973, while working at the LA Inn, the policemen used to come in for coffee. John was also a Los Alamos Public School bus driver for a couple of years. It was good to know him, and some of his children and grandchildren. Diane, my sympathies to you. Mary McKee-Horina
Kerry Ann Santos (Chapman)
I send my love & prayers to you all, my extended family. I'm so sad that I cannot be there for my last goodbye to Uncle John. I know my Mimi & Papa (Charles & Evelyn) were waiting & greeted him with open arms. He was a funny guy & so great to be around. I remember always looking forward to his visits & I just loved seeing Papa with his brothers.
Paula J. Gibson
To my First Cousins Janice, Karen, Diane & their Families. To my Aunt Clara & her loved ones. My Uncle John taught me how to ride a bike 55 years ago one Thanksgiving in Los Alamos. Our families remain close to this day. My Uncle John lit up every room. In all these years I never heard a harsh word, his big smile & laughter were contagious. I find comfort in the memories like the blue bike he taught me to ride.
Michael Valerioff
My condolences to the Chapman and the Jaramillo families...my heart hurts knowing the pain you are suffering...love you all and may God Bless you...RIP JOHN
Nancy (Maret) Sandoval
I'm so sad to read this obituary. Mr. Chapman was a truly genuine, honest, kind, funny, and sweet man. He was a police officer with my Daddy-O "back in the day". He always treated me like a daughter and I truly looked up to him like a second father. The last time I saw him was at Smith's Pharmacy where he gave me a giant hug, called me kiddo, and promptly told me that "I've gotten older" and that I "better cover up that grey hair"....the best part about that statement is that it was completely true and was made with complete love and honesty which was a true testament to the kind of man that he was! I will miss you Mr. Chapman and will pray for you and your family every day! Please say hello to my Daddy-O and tell him that I love him and am grateful to him for making sure that you were a part of my growing up days!
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