Michael Chapman, Sr.

Michael D. Chapman, Sr., age 53, of Newtown Square, PA, passed away peacefully at his home on December 2, 2016 surrounded by his family. Born in Media, PA in 1963, he was the son of Lavinia Chapman (nee Murphy) and the late Roy V. Chapman, Jr.



The COO/Partner of the Chapman Auto Group, which consists of seven family owned and operated dealerships in the Philadelphia area, Michael was an auto and sports enthusiast who enjoyed traveling, vacationing and spending time with his family. In both his professional and personal life, Michael was known for his compassionate generosity and his strong desire to make a positive impact within the community.



Michael leaves behind a legacy of philanthropy. He was Board Chair and was recently honored by the Livengrin Foundation, a drug and alcohol treatment facility. He and his wife Kate established the MAC Chapman Family Foundation, named after their three children, Michael, Avery and Charli, which benefits sick and underprivileged children. Michael also performed many large and small acts of kindness and generosity to many different people and organizations.

Michael was active in several trade organizations. He was past president of the Auto Dealers Association of Greater Philadelphia. At the Philadelphia Auto Show in January of this year, he purchased Pope Francis' Popemobile at auction to benefit Catholic Charities of Philadelphia. He was a member of the Water Rate Board for the City of Philadelphia.



Michael is survived by his wife Kate Chapman (nee Dreyer), son Michael D. Chapman, Jr., daughter Avery Chapman (Bob Bianco) and daughter Charli Chapman; his mother Lavinia Chapman (nee Murphy), his stepmother Patricia L. Chapman, his brother Randy Chapman (Cyndi), his sister Donna Chapman, his brother Joe Ballard, his sister Laurie Hayden (Brook Bergey), his brother David Hayden (Kimberly), his sister-in-law Nicole Nelson and her husband Rob, many nieces and nephews and other family and friends.



Michael was pre-deceased by his brother Roy V. Chapman, III "Skipper" and by his father Roy V. Chapman, Jr. "Chappy" who, with his wife Patricia, own Smarty Jones, winner of the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes in 2004.



Relatives and friends are invited to his Greeting on Wednesday, December 7, 2016 from 4:00 - 8:00 PM and Thursday, December 8, 2016 from 9:00-11:00 AM at The Donohue Funeral Home, 3300 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square, PA followed by his Funeral Mass at 11:30 AM at SS. Simon and Jude Church, 8 Cavanaugh Court, West Chester, PA.



Interment is Private.



In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Michael's memory to the MAC Chapman Family Foundation, c/o PAA Foundation, 1925 N. Front Street, Harrisburg, PA 17102, with checks made payable to MAC Chapman Family Foundation.