Alfred Chapin

Alfred Chapin, Jr., 82 yrs. old of New Berlin, NY went home to be with the Lord and his loving wife, Joan, on July 19, 2020.  He was surrounded by family.

Alfred was born on September 9, 1937, in Georgetown, NY, the son of Alfred & Viola (Palmer).
After graduating as class valedictorian; he went into the Air Force.  Once returning home, he started studying for his teaching degree. He received a master of arts in teaching from Cornell University in June 1967.

He was employed at New Berlin Central School for 25 years as an agriculture teacher and Future Farmers of America (FFA) Advisor.  He was passionate about teaching student’s leadership skills and taking trips to Camp Oswegatchie in Croghan, NY.  He also mentored student teachers during his career.  He took students to the National FFA Conventions, summer and winter sessions at Camp Oswegatchie, and attended retired agriculture teachers’ events at the camp.  One of his passions was to raise money for the new dining and lecture hall at the camp.  He was so proud of the Chapin Hall which was made possible by his donations and that of New York State FFA Chapters.  The building was completed earlier in 2020.  In June, he toured the Chapin Hall and was overjoyed at the results.

He was a member of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, New Berlin, NY where he served in various roles.  He was also active in the Masonic Phoebus Lodge 82 serving as a past master and currently serviced as a junior warden.  This would have been his 50th year.  A recognition was being planned for the fall.

Alfred loved to travel in the motor home and took active roles in the Susquenango Chapter Family Motor Coach Association from 1987 to 2014.  He traveled all around the United States with his wife and attended or organized many rallies.

On June 18, 1960, he married Joan Blake in Johnstown, NY. She predeceases him.  Alfred is survived by his children; Debby Black, her husband Bill and children, Angela Black & Billy Beck, two great grandsons, Radley and Mraz of Bainbridge, PA, Cassandra Black & Rogine Preston of Harrisburg, PA, and Becky Brown, her husband Dwayne and children Emily, Tucker and Sarah of West Oneonta, NY.  He is also survived by his brothers, Malcolm Chapin of Cocoa, FL, Milton Chapin of Liverpool, NY and sister, Anna Cruikshank of Sherburne, NY.

A graveside service will be held at St. Andrew’s Cemetery, New Berlin, NY for the family. Where he will be set to rest next his loving wife.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the New York FFA Leadership Training Foundation, Attention: Todd Lighthall, 9340 Long Pond Road, Croghan, NY 13327.

Memorial Donations:
http://www.nyffafoundation.org/the-directors-view--blog