Jack B. Schappell Sr., 95, passed away Saturday, Aug. 15, 2020. At the time of his death, he was a resident of Dunlop House in Colonial Heights, and was formerly of Shackelfords.
He was a U.S. Marine Corps Veteran of World War II, fighting in the South Pacific during the invasions of Saipan and Iwo Jima, where he was awarded the Purple Heart with two Gold Stars. He was an anti-sniper and expert rifle recipient. He was a proud member of the Greatest Generation.
After the war, Jack completed his apprenticeship as a brick mason and began a long career that commenced in Pennsylvania and eventually concluded in the Hampton Roads area. He was a master brick mason and managed numerous job sites for Chesapeake and United Masonry, including many NASA buildings at Langley Air Force Base and at the College of William & Mary. He was very proud of the beautiful buildings he built over his career.
He was an avid bridge player, participating in many tournaments across the area during his life, until events were discontinued due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He was very proud of his family and close to his grandchildren.
His first job on the peninsula was construction of Noland Methodist Church at Huntington Avenue and 55th Street in Newport News. His eldest grandson, many years later, is the resident of the beautiful home directly across the street from that very church.
An outgoing person with many friends on the Middle Peninsula, he loved his breakfast buddies at Lee’s Restaurant in Kilmarnock. He always enjoyed his talks with his grandsons, and he never turned down a cool Wendy’s Frosty. Jack lived a full life, had many joys, experienced some bad times during the war, but had a full and happy life. He was a man of strong faith who looked forward to being reunited with his loved ones, past friends and his Heavenly Father upon being called home. RIP Jack.
He was predeceased by his wife of 65 years, Claire E. Schappell. Survivors include his five children, Jackie Meens (Rob), Donald Schappell (Nita), Christine Schappell, Holly Schappell and Jack Schappell Jr.; grandchildren, Christopher L. Schappell, Geoffery Hill (Kim), and Andrew K. Schappell (Kimberly); and dear friends, David Galinski, Mike and Brenda Ryan, David and Michelle Campbell and Larry Dangler and family.
A private memorial service and interment will be conducted at Marine Corps Base Quantico at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Heart Association, 300 5th Ave., Suite 6, Waltham, MA 02451 or the charity of your choice.
Faulkner Funeral Homes, Bristow-Faulkner Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements.
