D. Edward “Ed” Chaplin Jr., 76, of DuBois, a banking executive and a community leader, died Friday, March 6 at Penn Highland DuBois following an extended illness.
Born in Clearfield on May 28, 1938, he was the son of the late D. Edward and Barbara Chaplin. He and Pauline Hughes were married in 1996. She survives.
Born and raised in Clearfield, Mr. Chaplin was a graduate of the St. Francis High School and received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Notre Dame University.
His banking career with Deposit Bank and its successor First Commonwealth Bank spanned 46 years until his retirement as senior vice president and trust officer in 2012.
As trust officer and head of the Trust Department in DuBois for many years, he provided investment and trust services for individuals, companies and foundations.
As co-trustee for the Glenn and Ruth Mengle Foundation, working with Ruth Mengle Blake, and later with DeVere Sheesley Sr., Mr. Chaplin touched the lives of countless individuals in the DuBois-Brockway area through charitable grants from the foundation and his own personal generosity.
His service to community went well beyond his professional and philanthropic contributions. He served as president of the board of the DuBois Area YMCA, chairing the initial capital campaign for the construction of the YMCA Community Center and assuming key roles in subsequent YMCA capital campaigns.
In addition, he chaired a successful Salvation Army capital campaign for expansion of its headquarters in DuBois, served as president of the board of the United Way of the DuBois area, president of the advisory board of Catholic Social Services, chairman of the advisory board of Penn State Public Broadcasting, treasurer of the board of Bucktail Council Boy Scouts of America, member of the board of the DuBois Education Foundation of Penn State University and member of the Investment and Endowment Committees of DuBois Area Catholic School. He was influential in the fundraising and financing that led to the construction and opening of the school in 2002.
Recognizing his extensive community service, the DuBois Area Jaycees presented Mr. Chaplin its Distinguished Service Award in 2004. In presenting the award, then Jaycee President Andy Sayers observed that in the position of co-trustee of the Glenn and Ruth Mengle Foundation, Mr. Chaplin “has played a key role in the allocation of substantial grants for the welfare of our area community in the areas of education, recreation, cultural arts, health care, social service and literacy that have touched the lives of literally thousands of people and enhanced the quality of life for everyone in the DuBois-Brockway area.”
A member of St. Michael the Archangel Roman Catholic Church in DuBois, Mr. Chaplin was awarded Papal Honors by Pope John Paul II for his outstanding service to the Church and the Diocese of Erie. Awarded to him by Bishop Donald Trautman in 2006, the Knights of Pope St. Sylvester Medal recognizes “lay persons who by their example in business, the professions, and society have lived exemplary lives.”
Professionally, he served on the board of directors of Deposit Bank and First Commonwealth Trust Company. He was a graduate of the Bucknell University Trust School and lectured at the school as an instructor. He served as president of Group IV Corporate Fiduciaries Association and as a member of the Executive Committee of the Pennsylvania Bankers Association Trust Division.
His greatest accomplishment, however, was his love of his family and his many friends, of which he held so dear.
As an alumnus of Notre Dame, he was an active supporter of the University and an avid fan of its sports programs throughout his life. Additionally, he was an accomplished athlete, runner, hiker, biker, canoeist, racquetball and tennis player. He played and coached basketball and softball in Clearfield before moving to DuBois. His love of fireworks provided family, friends and neighbors near and far, many years of enjoyment on the Fourth of July.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by two brothers, Andrew Chaplin of Clearfield and Fr. John Chaplin of Rockton and a sister, Mary Chaplin of Clearfield.
He is also survived by two step-children, Bill Hughes of Clearfield and Rebecca Hughes and her husband, Ethan Lott of Natrona Heights and his two golden retrievers, Carly and Caty.
Friends will be received from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. and from 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. Tuesday at the Goble-Baronick Funeral Home Inc.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Wednesday at the St. Catherine of Siena Roman Catholic Church with his brother, Fr. John Chaplin as celebrant.
Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Clearfield.
Although flowers are appreciated, the family strongly suggests that memorial donations be made to the following charities: DuBois Area Catholic School, P.O. Box 567, Christ the King Manor, 1100 W. Long Ave.; and or Hahne Cancer Center, 100 Hospital Ave., all in DuBois, PA 15801, or the St. Francis Catholic School Education Fund, 230 S. Second St., Clearfield, PA 16830.
Online condolences can be made to www.gbfuneralhome.com.
