October 11, 2021
A memorial Mass for the late Richard F. Chapdelaine ’84HON will be held on Wednesday, October 20, 2021, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Thomas More Church on the Queens, NY, campus of St. John’s University. All are invited to attend.
A longtime benefactor, Trustee of both St. John’s University and Niagara University, and a devoted supporter of the good work of the Vincentians, Mr. Chapdelaine died at his home in Jupiter, FL, on May 24, 2020. He was 95 years old, and is survived by Terry, his wife of 73 years; two children, Deidre “Didi” (husband James) Brodt, and Peter; grandchildren; and great-grandchildren. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a private service was held at the time of his passing; the memorial liturgy is a celebration of a life well-lived for his St. John’s family and local New York friends and neighbors.
Mr. Chapdelaine was unique in the honors that he amassed from not one, but two, Vincentian universities. Mr. Chapdelaine was a Trustee Emeritus of both St. John’s University and Niagara University. In 1984, St. John’s conferred upon him an honorary Doctor of Commercial Science degree, and in 1987, he received from Niagara an honorary Doctor of Laws degree.
Mr. Chapdelaine was a charter member of The Founders Society, which recognizes St. John’s most generous supporters. In addition, he was a member of both The Loughlin Society and The McCallen Society for planned giving donors.
A longtime season ticket holder for the St. John’s Men’s Basketball team, he cheered for and financially supported Red Storm Athletics and countless charitable causes. Read more about the generous Vincentian legacy of Richard F. Chapdelaine ’84HON.