Mr. Ralph “Chap” J. Chaplin, a lifelong resident of Medford, beloved husband of Ruth H. (Myers) Chaplin, died at the Winchester Hospital on Friday, March 3, 2006, surrounded by his loving family. He was 78 years old.
Born in Medford, Massachusetts, on March 22, 1927, he was the beloved son of the late Otis and Jessie (Burch) Chaplin. Mr. Chaplin was a member of the First Baptist Church in Medford. In his spare time he enjoyed gardening and was an avid fly fisherman. He had been a WWII Navy veteran, entering the service at Boston, Massachusetts, on January 24, 1945. During his military career, Mr. Chaplin served aboard the NTC Sampson as well as the USS Ticonderoga and the USS Lexington. He had attained the rank of Seaman, Second Class and was awarded the World War II Victory Medal, the American Area Campaign Ribbon and the Asiatic-Pacific Area Campaign Ribbon. Mr. Chaplin received his honorable discharge from the Navy in Boston, Massachusetts, on April 18, 1946.
Mr. Chaplin married his beloved wife, Ruth, on October 6, 1950, at the First Baptist Church of Medford. He also was a senior custodian at the Medford Public Schools for more than 37 years.
Besides his wife, Mr. Chaplin will be sorely missed by his two loving daughters and one son-in-law, Laurie A. and her husband Arthur Merrigan of Hooksett, N.H. and Nancy E. Chaplin of Medford; beloved brother of Burch Lorett of Goffstown, N.H; Cherished grandchildren, Michael, Jill, Christopher and Steven; dear great-grandchildren David and Tessa. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews. Mr. Chaplin was also the father of the late Cynthia G. Chaplin. His funeral service was celebrated in the Beals-Geake-Magliozzi Funeral Home, 29 Governors Avenue, MEDFORD, Monday, March 6, 2006, at 10 AM. Relatives and friends were respectfully invited to attend. Visiting hours were Sunday, March 5, 2006, from 4 to 8 PM. Interment was in Oak Grove Cemetery, Medford.