John R. Chapman

John Chapman, 69, of Melbourne FL passed away peacefully on October 19, 2025. He was born on November 18, 1955 in Detroit, MI, to the late Walter and Lahoma Chapman. 

John served in the United States Navy starting in 1980 and was honorably discharged in 1992. He then spent three years in the Naval Reserve. He took great pride in his service career, particularly as a member of the Submarine Service with tours on boats like the USS John Adams, USS Tennessee, and working for the Naval Ordnance Test Unit at Cape Canaveral. 

He was married to Annette (Tabacynzki) Chapman, a fellow Navy Veteran, for 44 years. Together, they moved more than ten times getting the opportunity to see the United States together with their two children. While he loved the food culture of Detroit, he opted for sunny winters and an endless supply of oranges in Florida after his Naval career. John spent the remainder of his career working in electronics with Dictaphone, Nuance, and Microsoft before retiring in 2025. 

He is survived by his loving wife, Annette, son John (Nancy), daughter Amanda (Jason), his six grandchildren, and siblings Rebecca, Suzanne, and Scott (Cheryl). 

 A private graveside service and celebration of life will be held at the Cape Canaveral National Cemetery with military honors at a later date.  

Donations can be made to the St. Mary Submarine Museum: (Link Below)