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Earl Chapman Obituary

Chapman, Earl Marshall September 3, 1925 December 14, 2013. At the age of 88, Earl Chapman died at his home in Honolulu, Hawaii on December 14, 2013. Son of the late Nathan and Bess Chapman, Earl was a native of Chicago and a long-time resident of Hawaii. He is survived by his wife, Lee Alden Johnson and two children, Nancy Chapman Arseneault (Michael) and Albert Chapman (Terae). A third child, Stepan Chapman (Kia) died in January 2014. Earl is also survived by his former spouse, Margery Cornsweet Chapman; two grandsons; and two great-grandchildren. Earl graduated from Lane Technical High School in Chicago and the University of Michigan. He served in the US Navy during WWII. An insightful businessman, Earl developed several companies across the country, primarily SiLite, a Chicago-based manufacturing firm. He sold most of his business interests in the early 1990's and moved to Hawaii. Earl brought some investors together and developed a company now known as The Islander Group, the state's largest distributor of Hawaiian books, music and gift items. Earl traveled the world during both his marriages. Also community oriented, he was a board member and an active volunteer for a number of social service agencies in Hawaii. Earl also supported many other local and national organizations financially through his family charitable foundation. A Celebration of Earl's Life was held in February on Oahu. A private service will be held in Chicago this summer. Earl will be remembered by family and friends for his wisdom and kindness as well as for his generosity and ever present sense of humor. Memorial contributions may be made to: Mediation Center of the Pacific, 245 N. Kukui Street #206, Honolulu, Hawaii 96817.

Published by Chicago Sun-Times on May 18, 2014.
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