PITTSFIELD, Mass. — William A. Chapman, age 87 of Pittsfield died Monday evening at his home after a long illness.

Born in North Adams, on Feb. 20, 1934, he was the son of the late Raymond Judson Chapman, Sr. and Marion Felix Chapman. Bill attended the local schools and was a 1951 graduate of the Machine Shop curriculum at Pittsfield High School. 

As a machinist, he learned the skills required to become a LINO type repairman. Initially employed at the Berkshire Eagle doing so, he moved to Acton, where he was employed for Hunt Brown, Inc. repairing linotypes all over the New England area.

Returning to Pittsfield in 1963 with his first family, he rejoined the Eagle and began incorporating more computer work into the operations there. Bill became the systems manager and retired in 1992.

A lifetime member of the Pittsfield Lodge of Elks, Lode # 272, he spent several years as an officer of the fraternal organization. Bill and his wife, Joelle, enjoyed playing darts and spending time with all of the members there. They also enjoyed camping, golfing, fishing and going the Saratoga Casino. 

Bill married the former Joelle F. Calkins in April 12, 1975.

In addition to his wife and caregiver, he is survived by his first family, two sons, William A. Chapman, Jr. (Cheryl) of Seattle, Wash. and Gary G. Chapman (Sharon) of Hinsdale, two daughters, Deborah L. Tyska of Hinsdale and Laurie J. Briggs of New Lebanon.

Bill was a very proud grandfather of 18 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild.

Together with Joelle, he is survived by his son, William R. Chapman (Mindy) of North Adams, and their two children, Bradley W. and Haley Mae Chapman, his daughter, Joelle M. LaCasse (Max), and their baby boy Weston William LaCasse of Windsor.

Bill was predeceased by his three brothers, Raymond J. Chapman, Jr., Richard D. Chapman and Robert C. Chapman.

The family especially would like to thank the BMC Cancer Center for their compassionate care.

The Celebration of Bill's Life will take place Friday afternoon at 1:00 pm at the Pittsfield Cemetery in the Sunrise Section located on Onota St. 

Due to the Pandemic, the family requests that masks be worn.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Pittsfield Lodge of Elks # 272 Scholarship Fund, in care of the DEVANNY-CONDRON FUNERAL HOME which has been entrusted with Bill's care.