Wayne M. Chapman, 74, of Worcester died on Sunday, May 27 in his home after a long battle with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis.

He was predeceased by his wife of 50 years, Esther (Grady) Chapman. He leaves two sons, Wayne M. Chapman and his wife Kathleen of Leicester and Brian M. Chapman and his long time companion Lisa Thomas of Worcester; six daughters, Vivian I. Rawson and her husband Roderick, Valerie A. O'Connor and her husband Timothy and Vanessa M. Keddy all of Worcester, Virginia L. Benoit and her husband Michael, Vera E. Fleming and her husband Timothy all of Auburn and Veda L. Genkos and her husband Theodore of Worcester; one brother, Hollis Chapman of Spencer; and one sister, Betty James of Texas.

He also leaves 19 grandchildren: Jason, Melissa, John, Anthony, Brittani, Karrah, Mason, T.J., Brian, Katelyn, Genel, Ryan, Shane, Michael, Samantha, Sean, John, Matthew and Nicolette; 2 great grandchildren: Summar and Allysa.

Wayne was born in Waynesville, North Carolina son of the late Hollis W. Chapman and the late Ona (Mason) Chapman. He attended Commerce High School and Worcester Junior College. He worked for Builder's Specialty for 40 years and retired in 1993.

Mr. Chapman served in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict. He loved playing cards, crossword puzzles, the history channel and cooking for his family. He enjoyed day trips and vacations in Maine. He will be greatly missed by his family especially his grandchildren who lovingly referred to him as "PA".

The funeral will be held from the Alfred Roy & Sons Funeral Home, 12 Hammond Street on Friday, June 1 with a Mass at 10 AM in Saint Peter's Church, 931 Main Street. Burial will follow in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton with Military Honors. Calling hours will be held in the funeral home on Thursday, May 31 from 4 to 8 PM.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made in Mr. Chapman's name to the Massachusetts Veterans Shelter, 69 Grove Street, Worcester, MA 01605.