Gerald Chapin

Gerald "Jerry" Edward Chapin, age 74, of Comstock Park, Michigan, passed away peacefully at Mary Free Bed Hospital on Saturday, July 10, 2021. He was born December 6, 1946, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, to the late Alan Chapin and Irene Denczek. Jerry had a special place in his heart for his "Granny Marie" who had a huge hand in raising him. Jerry proudly served his country in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War. After getting out of the service he ran the Zephyr Gas station on Walker North-West in Grand Rapids throughout the 70's. He then moved to Traverse City where he worked for Schmuckal Oil until he moved to Las Vegas in the late 80's. Throughout his time in Las Vegas, Jerry organized and managed trade shows for large convention centers until he retired and eventually moved back to Grand Rapids in 2007. Jerry was known for being a sharp dressed man and enjoyed spending time at Kales Korner Bar. He loved music and could line up a play list on the juke box for hours for others to enjoy. Jerry was passionate about cars and loved going to car shows and passing that love down to his kids. He also enjoyed following The University of Michigan Football program and the New England Patriots. Survivors include his significant other, Rita Short; four children, Brent (Tracy) Chapin, Eric (Cassandra) Chapin, Crystal (Derek) Klifman, and Whitney Chapin; and grandchildren, Ricky, Becca (Ron), Ryan, Derek, Brayden, Isaac, Sophia, Ethan, Joey Lynn, and Woody. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Harriet Renee Jennings-Chapin; and uncles, Frank (Irene) & Edward Denczek. Per his wishes cremation has taken place and a memorial gathering is being planned for a later date. The family would like to extend a special thank you to all of Jerry's caregivers, especially during these past 9 difficult months. "We are grateful to all the caregivers and strangers that we met along this roller coaster ride. We are so happy that Jerry is finally at rest and pain free" and in Jerry's words, "Go Blue Baby" Cremation arrangements were entrusted to Michigan Cremation & Funeral Care, Grand Rapids, 616-452-3006, exclusive providers of Veterans Funeral Care. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Gerald Chapin, please visit our flower store.