Mac Clements Chapman

Mac Clements Chapman, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and man of deep faith, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of love, integrity, and quiet strength.

 

Mac was born on April 7, 1936, in Parsons, West Virginia. He grew up on a farm, raised by his mother, Hazel, and his grandfather—an upbringing that instilled in him the values of hard work, humility, and perseverance that would guide him throughout his life.

 

Mac graduated from Springfield Township High School in 1954 and went on to earn his Bachelor of Science in Physics from Ohio University in 1958. Shortly after graduating, he moved to California to begin his career at Northrop, Hughes Aircraft and finally TRW. He later earned his Master of Business degree and pursued doctoral studies in physics at UCLA.

 

On September 1, 1962, Mac married the love of his life, Diane Fiordalisi, whom he met while they were both students at Ohio University. Together, they shared 64 wonderful years of marriage, building a life rooted in love, faith, and family.

 

Mac dedicated 40 years of his professional life as a physicist at TRW, where he played an integral role in advancing space and defense technologies. His work included contributions to experiments on the Viking space rover and the NASA space shuttles. He worked closely with the government on space defense systems and held one of the highest levels of security clearance in his field.

 

Above all else, Mac was a family man. He and Diane raised their three daughters—Margaret, Lisa, and Laura—in Rancho Palos Verdes, where they lived for 58 years. Mac was a hands-on father who created lasting memories with his family through snow skiing, water skiing, and teaching his daughters how to fly fish—his favorite pastime. He had a deep love for the mountains, especially Manache Mountain in the Sierra Nevadas, where he found peace and joy.

 

After retiring from TRW and while consulting at USC’s Alfred E Mann Institute, Mac and Diane spent 10 years in San Luis Obispo.  While there, Mac embraced a second passion: winemaking. Surrounded by vineyards, he crafted his own wines and continued to enjoy life’s simple pleasures.

 

Mac lived a life grounded in faith and was an active member of St. John Fisher Parish. He had a remarkable ability to connect with others—he lit up every room he entered, listened with genuine care, and offered thoughtful, steady advice. He formed lasting friendships through his work, his church, and his community.

 

Mac is survived by his beloved wife, Diane; his three daughters; and seven cherished grandchildren and his brother Fred Chapman. He will be remembered for his kindness, wisdom, humility, and unwavering love for his family.

 

His legacy of love, faith and kindness lives on in all who knew and loved him.

 

A funeral mass and reception for Mac will be held at St John Fisher Church April 17, 2026 at 11am. All are welcome.