Walter Robert Chapin III

On the morning of October 2, 2026, the world lost a good man; a husband, a father, a brother, an uncle and a friend. Walter Robert Chapin III was a Halloween baby, born in 1967 to Madeline (Pine) and Walter Chapin Jr. He was the big brother to Melissa Gorrosquieta and, although she was tremendously annoying, he loved her dearly. He met the love of his life and yet his complete opposite, Holly Williams, in 1995 and eloped with her on August 22, 1997. Nearly ten years later, the real true, love of both of their lives, their son, Briar Chapin, was born. Walter always talked about Briar with such pride and love. They had civil political discussions (with some exceptions), even with being on opposite sides. It was a beautiful thing to witness.

Wally, as a few of us called him, was a lover of science fiction and fantasy novels, anime, and gaming. He was a geek to the nth degree and it was awesome. His fast food order always consisted of some kind of burger involving half a pound of pure, unadulterated meat... truly a man of stature and appetite. Before congestive heart failure took over his life, he had been a PC and printer technician for years and loved to build PCs for fun. As his best friend, John Stannard once said "Walter is special, will always be so. I hate absolutely everyone and he was my friend... that is rare." Wally loved fiercely, which included his nieces, nephew, great niece and nephews, and his adoring cats, Amber, Thalia, Hunter, Kylie, Gavin, Jaxson, Lima, and Bean.

Holly would like to send out an extra dose of gratitude to both Danielle and Steve from Beacon Hospice.

Wally was a loved man, a flawed man, and a man of conviction. We will honor his life and legacy, and carry on his memory with pride. We will celebrate Wally's life and our love for him later this month, October 2026.

Try not to be sad today. Be hungry and go eat a double quarter pounder with cheese and drink a Dr. Pepper in his honor. It's what he would have wanted. Tell them Walter sent ya.