Ben was a graduate of Deering High School (1945), New Hampton Prep School (1948), and the University of Maine College of Engineering where he received BS (1952) and Masters in Mechanical Engineering (1963). He also attended the University of Maryland, Baltimore for postgraduate studies and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Doctoral Program. He was a member of the Phi Kappa Phi and Tau Beta Pi honor societies at the University of Maine.
Professor Chapman started his career as a project engineer with the National Bureau of Standards in Washington, D.C. That was followed by an appointment as Assistant to The Supervisor of Production Planning, U.S. Army, Rocky Mountain Arsenal, Denver, Colorado. In 1956 he accepted an appointment to the faculty of Mechanical Engineering Department at the University of Maine a position he held for 38 years, retiring in 1994. He was a Professional Engineer of the State of Maine, a member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), and for many years was the faculty advisor to the student branch of ASME at the University.
Ben served in the U.S. Army Signal Corps in World War II and again in the Engineer Corps during the Korean War.
Ben’s enjoyment of music began as a member of the Lincoln Jr. High School Band continuing at Deering High School and the University of Maine. He was an avid marksman, a founding member of the Forest City Rifle Club, a letterman for the University of Maine Rifle Team, a member of the Washington DC Pistol Club, and a life member of the National Rifle Association. Ben returned from Washington, D.C. to the state of Maine after the passing of his father to assist his mother with the family business The Pines and A. H. Chapman, Inc. Portland, Maine. Ben was always on the water at his beloved Sebago Lake where he spent every summer from the age of 10 other than his years of service to his country. He was on the Board of Directors of the Friends of Sebago Lake (FOSL), a member of the Sokokis Water Ski Club, and a life member of the American Water Ski Association. Ben spent many hours crafting woodworking projects and was known for his beautiful Clocks.
Ben and his wife Dottie were residents of Orono, Maine for close to 40 years where he was a member of the United Methodist Church of Orono and the Mechanics Lodge of Masons No. 66 A.F. & A.M.
Survived by his wife and best friend of 51 years Dorothy Nancy McKenney Chapman, Son Ralph Abram Chapman, Beloved Daughter Nancy Louise Chapman, only Grandson Chapman “Chappy” McKenney Hall and will be missed by a dear friend Col Nelson L. Thompson.
In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to United Methodist Church Camp Mechuwana Scholarship Program, PO Box 277, Winthrop, ME 04364; or Friends of Sebago Lake (FOSL) 385 Menotomy Road, Fryeburg, ME 04037.
For online condolences, please go to www.blaisandhayfuneralhome.com.
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