New Milford mourns passing of Charlie Chapin, 101

Column Name: Beyond Words

By Deborah Rose

The outpouring of love for a New Milford legend who died earlier this week, will never equal the amount of joy he brought to residents of this community for 101 years.

Charles “Charlie” Chapin’s smile, storytelling, and commitment to the town in which he was born will be remembered as a shining light.

He was a familiar face around town. He attended community events and was best known for engaging in conversation with everyone with whom he came in contact. And, of course, one cannot forget his laugh, support, and sage advice.

He donned his blue and yellow Lions Club vest and chatted with guests along the buffet line at the Lions senior picnics. He was a staple – and “favorite” customer” – at local delis, where he caught up with fellow customers. He watched and cheered on youth at sporting events.

Charlie was New Milford.

He loved to interact with others and share stories about the town, its history and its future.

He touched countless lives, including mine. 

I first met him during my school years when he was a bus driver. I came to learn that he had also driven bus for my elder sibling and cousins and, it seemed like, everyone else in town. It was true.

Throughout my life, Charlie popped up at many places I went. He was often at events I covered while working in community journalism.

Charlie knew everyone. And everyone knew Charlie.

“If you grew up in New Milford it is very likely that [Charlie] drove your bus at some point or watched your sports game,” Bonnie Weed wrote on social media for Charlie’s 100th birthday on Oct. 30.

Despite his age and keeping up to date on the happenings of so many individuals over the generations, Charlie was ageless. Douglas Cherniske commented on Charlie’s 100th that he “looks the same as when he drove my bus 35 years ago.”

He aged with grace, surely in part because he was young at heart and was regularly active as a volunteer in the community.

“To say New Milford lost a staple would be a lie, we lost a legend,” wrote resident Shawn Emmons on social media this week after his friend passed. “Charlie was known for carting us all around to our sporting events. Picking us up when we were down after a loss with sound advice.”

“I will always treasure our talks, our laughs and most importantly [his] advice and support,” continued Emmons, an honorary member of Water Witch Hose Co. No. 2 and local businessman.

Lifelong resident and retired community photojournalist Norm Cummings recalled knowing Charlie for at least 65 years.

“Each of us should want to leave the world a happier place than we found it,” Cummings said. “With his friendly manner and easy smile, Charlie brightened countless lives, and, in the process, left all who knew him feeling better.”

Charlie, who died April 21, was a son of Clifford and Mable (Flynn) Chapin. The New Milford railroad station is named for his father, who was New Milford first selectman from 1977-87.

A New Milford native, Charlie joined the Army in 1942 and served in World War II. He was a proud veteran and was a lifelong member of the Andrew B. Mygatt VFW Post 1672 in town. He attended nearly every Memorial Day parade and veteran ceremony, right up until his death.

“You are a true Patriot and will be missed by all your ‘fans,’” wrote from Connecticut State Representative Jeanne Garvey Stax.

One of the things for which Charlie was most proud was his involvement with the local fire department. He was a charter member of the Northville Volunteer Fire Department, which was organized in 1963.

John Kuck, NVFD president, described Charlie as "a friendly, go lucky guy" who was activity involved at department meetings right until his last days.

"He'll be missed," he said.

In addition to his dedication to the fire department, Lions Club, and veterans’ organizations, Charlie was a lifelong member of the New Milford United Methodist Church and a former member of the New Milford Republican Town Committee.

Charlie, you were loved and are missed deeply already.

The amount of joy you brought to thousands of individuals in your lifetime is immeasurable.

Donations in his memory can be made to Northville Volunteer Fire Department and mailed to NVFD, 359 Litchfield Road, New Milford, CT 06776.

Matt Dzamko/New Milford resident Charlie Chapin was a charter member of Northville Volunteer Fire Department.

Courtesy of Facebook/A proud veteran, Charlie Chapin, right, receives a 70-year VFW member pin in 2018 from then VFW Commander Christopher Delucci.