In Memory of Delbert Chaplin
DELBERT C. CHAPLIN, 93, passed away peacefully on June 9 in the home he built on Sombrero Blvd. By his side were his son, Jim Chaplin, daughter, Diane Chaplin-Colvard, son-in-law, Fred Colvard and caregiver of two years, Catina Fantroy.
Delbert, known by his friends as Del, was one of Marathon?s pioneers. In 1952, he came from Moundsville, WV to Marathon with his wife, Cecelia ?Celie? (a retired Marathon Realtor who preceded him in death in 1996) and family, Jim and Diane. He built one of Marathon?s first motels, Sea-Dell Motel, on the ?outskirts? of Marathon which later became the center of town. A loving Father, husband, grandfather who was a farmer, butcher, contractor and fishing captain in his early years and later in his retirement days enjoyed fishing, hunting, gardening, canning, cooking, raising geese, ducks and honey bees.
A member of the American Legion, Post 154 in Marathon for over 50 years, he was a proud Army veteran and served his country in WWII as a Sergeant in the 1st
Calvary Division. He fought in the Pacific conflict primarily the invasion of Leyte
Island and the assault against the Island of Luzon in the Philippines. As a flame thrower and a leader of men, he was decorated many times for his valor and was awarded the Bronze Star.
In addition, he is survived by his daughter-in-law, Bettye Chaplin, his grandsons, James and Steve and his great-grandsons, Cooper and Camron. One of twelve children born to Mary and Albert Chaplin, his brothers, Howard, Dana, Frank, and sister, Evelyn, preceded him in death.
Seven siblings survive him: Alberta Cheon of Marathon, nephews, Gary, Larry and Rodney. Almeda Leichter of Cameron, WV, niece, Mary. Eldean Komorowski of Moundsville, WV, niece, Maria and nephew, Fred. Edith Postlewaite of Glen Easton WV, nieces, Jane Ann, Donna, nephews, Richard, & Bobby. Marlene DiMarco of Clifton, New Jersey, niece, Roxanne and nephews, Ralph and Sammy. Arch Chaplin of La Quinta, CA. niece, Debbie and nephew, Archie. Loy and Nancy Chaplin of Paden City, WV, nephew, Chad.
Other nephews and nieces include: Jimmy Chaplin of Morgantown, WV, Ralph and Elabee Chaplin of Proctor, WV, Barbara O?Brien, Phyllis Bogzvitz, Martha Fego of Zephyrhills, FL, Jack and Carmella Kornetti of Marathon, Bill Rabito of Branford, FL, Doreen Rabito Baumeister of Punta Gorda, Joe and Linda Rabito of Marathon, Marlene and Tom Slack and Tom Cheon of California
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be sent to Hospice of the Florida Keys, 1319 Williams Street, Key West, FL 33040. A celebration of Del?s life will be announced at a later date.
Read Article Published Regarding Delbert Chaplin
Marathon Mourns Loss of Pioneer
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