Published in the October 27, 2017 edition
MELROSE — Philip B. Chaplin, 91, of Melrose, died on October 19, 2017. Philip was born in Derry, New Hampshire on May 6, 1926 to Basil and Florence (Sanburn) Chaplin.
He was raised in Melrose and graduated from Melrose High School. He later earned a Bachelor’s Degree from Boston University. Philip served his country honorably in the United States Army during WWII and again in the United States Air Force during the Korean War. He worked as an Insurance Manager in the Legal Department for Reliance Insurance Company in Boston for many years as well as for several other companies in Massachusetts and New Hampshire.
There was nothing more important to Philip than spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren. He also loved going for walks, hiking in the White Mountains, photography, and traveling all over the world. Philip lived life to the fullest, but in a very quiet and gentle way. He was a member of the Odd Fellows Club and was involved with his wife Rita in all of her Irish Step Dancing Events. He will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege to know him.
He was the beloved husband of 52 years to Rita (O’Shea) Chaplin of Melrose. Loving father of Lisa (Chaplin) McAllister and her husband Joseph of Melrose, and Paul Chaplin and his wife Kristen of Dedham. Devoted grandfather of Maeve McAllister, and Ella, Nieve, and Nate Chaplin. Caring brother of Virginia Hilton and her husband Clarence of Virginia, the late Colonel Donald Chaplin, USAF, and the late Shirley Munsco. Also survived by several nieces and nephews.
Visiting Hours were held on Monday, October 23 at the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster St., Melrose. Funeral services and burial were private. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in Philip’s Memory to St. Benedict Center, Slaves of Mary, P.O. Box 1000, Still River, MA 01467 or to your local Salvation Army. To send a message of condolence please visit www.gatelyfh.com
