Lawrence Leroy “Mike” Chapman, age 94, a lifelong resident of Chardon and Hambden Township, went home to be with the Lord on March 26, 2023, surrounded by his family at his home. He was born February 13, 1929, in Chardon, OH.

Son of the late William Nelson “Sonny” and Dorothy (nee: Diedrich) Chapman. Mike grew up in Chardon with four brothers and his twin sister. He graduated from Chardon High School in 1947, and in 1948 he married his high school sweetheart Geraldine “Gerry” Zakany and began working as a bricklayers’ apprentice. Later he became the construction superintendent for his father-in-law’s company, George R. Zakany, Inc., and was part owner of Hambden Building Products, Inc. Living their entire adult lives in Hambden Township in the home that he built, Mike and Gerry raised three children, Mitchell, Daniel, and Polly, had six grandchildren and three great grandchildren, and in September 2019 celebrated 71 years of marriage. 

Mike served on the student council and was a standout athlete at Chardon High School. He was inducted into the CHS athletic hall of fame as a three-sport star in football, basketball, and baseball.  His love of sports continued into his adult life as he pitched for the Chardon Indians and coached Hambden youth baseball, basketball, and softball teams. He started the Hambden School youth basketball program. In the family’s back yard, he built a baseball field where neighborhood kids would gather to practice their beloved game.

In 1990, he received the Citizen of the Year award from the Hambden Grange in recognition of his donation of property for the creation of the Hambden Township Park, including a baseball field which bears his name. He served as a member of the Hambden Township Park board until 1986. In 1957, he was a charter member of the Hambden Volunteer Fire Department and served as president for several years. He also served as president of the Hambden P.T.A. and was a longtime booster of the Chardon High School athletic program.

Those who knew him will remember his take-charge, “let’s go” attitude, his sincere, friendly, and energetic personality, his sense of humor, his competitive spirit, his commitment to hard work and community, and his lifelong love and devotion to his wife and family, the family businesses, and his love of sports, especially the Cleveland Indians.  During his 60 years in business, he enjoyed working alongside his wife, in-laws, dad, two brothers, sons, nephews, grandchildren, and many other co-workers in the construction and building supply business. Many homes, schools, hospitals, and other public buildings in Lake, Geauga, and Ashtabula counties were built under his direction, including Geauga Hospital and the Geauga County Jail. Hambden Building Products was not just a building supply store, but also a community gathering place for friends and neighbors. He also was a member of Hambden Congregational Church.

He is survived by his youngest brother, Ronald (Elaine) Chapman of Chardon, OH; sons Mitchell (Sandra) Chapman of Gates Mills, OH, and Daniel (Victoria) Chapman of Hambden Township, OH; daughter Polly (Richard) Marabito of Gates Mills, OH; grandchildren Rebecca Chapman, Rachel (fiancé Gonzalo Evangelista) Chapman, Reuben (Rebecca) Chapman, Roodie Chapman, Michael Marabito and Joseph Marabito; twin great grandsons João and Paulo Chapman and great granddaughter Lilliana Evangelista-Chapman, many nieces and nephews, and great-nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Geraldine (nee: Zakany) Chapman who passed away November 14, 2019, two infant children, older brothers Gerald (who died in infancy), Carroll Chapman and Raymond Chapman, younger brother William Chapman, and twin sister Lois Woodard.

The family is grateful to the staff at Cherished Companions, Dr. Jon Floriano, Dr. Augustus Beck, Dr. Kurt Schneider, Harmony Cares, Crossroads Hospice, Ron and Elaine Chapman, and neighbors Harold and Mary Ellen Hedrick for their compassionate and dedicated care. A special thank you to longtime caregiver Ferdinand Yomoah who became family.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, April 4, 2023 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Burr Funeral Home, 116 South Street, Chardon, OH 44024.

On Wednesday, April 5, 2023, the family will greet guests from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. followed by the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home. The burial will take place at Hambden Township Cemetery immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in memory of Lawrence L. Chapman to the Hambden Congregational Church, 13840 G.A.R. Highway, Chardon, OH 44024.

Arrangements made by the Burr Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Chardon, Ohio.

Information and condolences on-line at www.burrservice.com.  The Funeral Service will be live streamed at https://boxcast.tv/view/lawrence-leroy-mike-chapman-e60fdxmfsjmljwxitrmg or go to the obituary and click the Watch Funeral Service icon.