Richard Alan Chapman, 73, of New Boston, passed away on Thursday, April 24, 2025, at SOMC Hospice surrounded by his family and loved ones. Rich was born on March 6, 1952, in Portsmouth, a son of the late Evelyn Ruth Ratcliff.
A 1970 Portsmouth High School graduate, he retired as supervisor after 30 years as a Level 2 operator at the Portsmouth Water Works. Following retirement, Rich was a salesman at the former Oberling’s Motor Company and he had worked at Phil Wood Plumbing.
Bass fishing, however, was Rich’s true passion, and one that he pursued at every opportunity. In 1987 he was selected Rookie of the Year of the Ohio Bass Tournament Circuit. Rich also coached for many years for the Portsmouth Softball Little League, and served as coach for the Ohio Buckeye Fastpitch Divas travel team. He also spent many happy hours playing video games with his youngest daughter, Elizabeth.
Surviving are his daughter and son, Angela Dawn Egerton of Portsmouth, and Richard William (Betsey) Chapman of Rosemount, and their mother, Bille Pratt Jones of New Boston; daughter Elizabeth Dee-Ann (Dylan) Chapman Fields of Wayne, WV, and her mother and Rich’s former wife of 30 years, Jo-Dee Knittel Chapman (Jack Bentz) of Huntington, WV; three grandchildren, Sarah Marie Collins, Mason (Courtney) Chapman, and Reid (Ally) Chapman; five great-grandchildren, Steven Jeremy Nagle, Bo Cephus Nagle, Granger Dean Nagle, Stetson Chapman and Ella Chapman; former mother-in-law, Eloise Knittel of Portsmouth; former brothers-in-law, J.D. (Anita) Knittel and Jeff Knittel, all of Portsmouth; a cousin who was like a sister to him, Teresa (Yancy) Kayser of Portsmouth; and many other loving friends and family members.
The family extends special thanks to Rich’s caretaker, Gayle Nylund.
Rich was also preceded in death by his former father-in-law, Dean Knittel.
Funeral services will be held at 4 pm on Sunday, April 27, 2025, at the Ralph F. Scott Funeral Home in Portsmouth with Pastor Duane Knittel officiating and interment in Scioto Burial Park.
The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 pm Sunday at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in honor of Rich and his love for fishing may be made to GetHookedTakeaKidFishing.com.
