William Mark Chepolis

In Loving Memory of Dr. William Mark Chepolis Lt. Colonel (Ret.) USAF  

 

  A Life of Service, Science, and Spirit  

 

Dr. William Mark Chepolis, Lt. Colonel (Ret.) USAF, passed away peacefully on August 17, 2025, in Viera, Florida, after a short illness. He was 85.  

 

Bill proudly served as an F-4 fighter pilot during the Vietnam War, completing 150 missions. His distinguished military career included roles as a senior pilot, flight instructor, test pilot, and teacher. He received numerous honors and was a Fourth Degree Knight in the Knights of Columbus. Bill’s passion for aviation led him to build his own airplane from a kit, earning FAA certification and sharing countless memorable flights with his wife across Brevard County.  

 

A scientist and engineer, Bill earned his doctorate in Materials Science from UMass Lowell in 1994. In 1998, he and his wife, Witha, moved from Bedford, Massachusetts, to Viera, where he became a beloved member of the community. Known for his humor, warmth, and unwavering devotion to family, Bill formed lasting friendships wherever he went. He was a constant source of support for his children and taught them to embrace life’s fleeting moments.  

 

Bill’s musical gifts were a cherished part of family life. His harmonica rendition of “Happy Birthday” became a joyful tradition that will be deeply missed.

 

  A man of deep faith, Bill was a devout Catholic and sang in the choir at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, where he found spiritual fulfillment and shared his love of music.  

 

Even in retirement, Bill remained active—traveling the country as Witha’s enthusiastic “roadie,” supporting her art shows and celebrating her accomplishments with pride.

 

  Family and Legacy  

 

Born in Brooklyn, New York, Bill was the son of the late Theodore Andrew and Lillian Barbara (Banashek). He is survived by:

 

- His beloved wife of 41 years, Witha  

- His son Kyle and wife Ana  

- His brothers Robert (and the late Mary Kay), Theodore and wife Elaine, and Paul and wife Lori  

- His son-in-law Mitch Christow  

 

Bill was predeceased by his first wife, Margaret; sons Kurt, Kevin, and Karl; and daughters Theresa and Lori Ann Christow.  

 

 He is also survived by his cherished pets: his dog Molly, his cat Sugar, and Arthur, his late son Karl’s parrot.

 

Bill’s legacy lives on in the many lives he touched with his kindness, wisdom, and unwavering love.  

 

A private military burial will follow at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery in Mims, Florida.  

 

In Honor of Bill  

 

 In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the IRCC Foundation to support training service dogs for veterans—a cause close to Bill’s heart.