Dennis Haines Chapman

Dennis Haines Chapman, 71, of Akron, passed away May 17, 2014. He was born in Akron on May 6, 1943. Denny was a loving husband, wonderful father, great Papa, and special friend. He was a true Renaissance man: a poet, composer, counselor, teacher, performer, golfer and fanatic Cleveland Brown's fan.

He was a member of Victory Masonic Lodge, Past Monarch of Yusef Khan Grotto and directed the Yusef Khan Grotto Men's Chorus for 40 years. Denny was a music teacher for 38 years in the Akron Public School System. He touched many young people's lives and taught them that music could never be taken away from them.

He was preceded in death by his father, Jack Chapman and sister-in-law, Joany.

Dennis is survived by his wife of 42 years, Linda; mother, Bernice; children, Dawn Marie (Adam White) and Scott (Heidi Neumeister); grandchildren, Patrick Caleb, Aiden and Addisan; granddogs, Murphy, Harlow, Phil and Carlos; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Sue (Jerry), Fred (Susan), Ken (Nathaniel), Marge (Joe), Rodney (Esther), Robert (Shirley), Dean (Debbie), Vicki (Davis); cousins, Pat Haines and Kay Haines; 56 nieces and nephews. Denny never knew a stranger and was a true friend to all.

Family and friends may call on Thursday, May 22, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at NEWCOMER FUNERAL HOME, 131 N. Canton Rd. A Masonic service will be held at 7 p.m. and a Yusef Khan Grotto service at 7:30 p.m. A funeral service will be held on Friday, May 23 at 11:00 a.m. at North Springfield Presbyterian Church, 671 Canton Rd., Akron, OH 44312 with Pastor Janet Lowery officiating. Interment at Grandview Memorial Park, Ravenna, OH.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Yusef Khan Grotto, 619 Northwest Ave., Tallmadge, OH 44278 or ALS Association, 6155 Rockside Rd., Independence, Oh 44131.