William Chiappi

William Chiappi, age 83 passed away after a long battle with leukemia on May 20,2022 at home with his devoted wife, Glenda by his side. Born in Long Island, New York on July 23,1938 to Helen Vavosa and Frank Chiappi, Bill was a resident of Colorado for the past 17 years. 

In addition to his wife and family, the pride and joy of Bill's life was his brilliant career in the Navy from 1955-1975. Bill received training to further his career in the Navy by attending electrician's school, Navy Nuclear Power school and Submarine school and had the opportunity to teach nuclear school later. Bill traveled the world with the Navy among other things becoming a plank owner, earning his dolphin pin, and doing a tour in Vietnam on a mine sweeper. He retired from the Navy as a Master Chief petty officer in 1975 but the Navy did not retire in him. Forever a patriot, Bill became a proud member of the United States Submarine Veterans Southern Colorado Base, a wonderful congenial group of veterans and their families taking part in monthly meetings and parades, proudly displaying their float, a tribute to the USS Scorpion. 

Bill had many hobbies and interests. His singing and musical ability led him to performing in Christian plays at his church and singing and playing the harmonica in the choir. He loved fishing, bird watching, gardening and taking his precious toy poodle Bella for a walk in the park. He loved the outdoors and with his wife Glenda, and friends and family he enjoyed many excursions into the beautiful Rocky Mountains snowshoeing, hiking and taking scenic drives. He also enjoyed many road trips to see different states and visiting family and friends along the way. 

A beloved husband and father, Bill is survived by his wife, Glenda, his children, son Billy Chiappi [Brandi], of Bridge City, TX., daughter Teresa Chiappi of Houston, Tx. and three grandchildren: Justin LeJeune of Spokane, WA, Kristi LeJeune of Orange Tx. and Alex White of Spring, TX., stepchildren and many step grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his two sons, Robert Chiappi of San Diego, Michael Chiappi of Madiera Beach, Fla, mother, Helen Vavosa and father Frank Chiappi, his sister Camille Sroka and last but not least Bella his toy poodle.

Gone but never forgotten Bill will be greatly missed by all those whose lives he has impacted, and we take comfort in knowing that he is in Heaven in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ.

 A military honors service will be held at the Houston National Cemetery, Houston, Tx. in July.

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