"Chopper" to his students, Marty was a kind decent man who took a genuine interest in his students.  He patiently endured several years of me butchering the German language during my high schools years.  His approach to teaching went beyond memorization of vocabulary and conjugating verbs (a nightmare in the German language).  He also tried to impart German culture and tradition in addition to the language.  I recall one occasion when he took our class to his home and we spent hours there preparing German food.  Not your run of the mill teacher, and I have always remembered him fondly.

Rob Morrison, RHS Class of 1974

Mary Ann and family:
Sorry to hear of Marty's passing.  I have fond memories of both of you when you were members of the Rutgers Master Gardener program.  Marty gave me a colorful landscape pastel entitled "Frelinghuysen Arboretum" which he produced.  It still hangs prominently in my home.  I will always remember him for his intelligence, creativity and his service to the community.  It was a pleasure getting to know him.

Mary Ann and Matthew, I am so sorry for your loss.

Dear Mary Ann and family,
I was saddened to hear of Martin's passing. He certainly was loved by so many! Any time I had a chance to see him, although infrequently,  his face lit up in a way to make you feel so special...a genuinely loving man. I've been keeping all of you in my prayers. It's a difficult time,  but our merciful  Father will help you to heal.

Love and prayers from your cousin, 
Joann Parichuk VanAlstyne

Our meetings for brunch were always full of laughs, stories and good cheer.

Many warm and cherished memories of Easter Sunday spent with our dear Uncle Martin and Aunt Mary Ann .

I am deeply saddened to learn of Marty's passing. As a member of Randolph High School's first graduating class,  during my senior year I was  a member of  his German IV class when he was "learning the ropes" as a student teacher.

His class was always more than memorization and grammar, writing and speaking. He introduced us to German literature, art,  and culture, too. Today, after more than 60 years, I still can understand a surprising number of German words and phrases --his gift of knowledge that has enriched my life many times.

When I returned after college to teach at RHS, Marty and I -- and his wonderful wife Mary Ann -- shared many faculty meetings and after-school committee work. His knowledge, wit and ready smile were always perfect antidotes to this after-school drudgery.

His was a life well-lived, touching literally thousands of students.

Vielen Dank, mein Freund, für viele schöne Erinnerungen, für unsere Freundschaft und für das Wissen, dass du mit so vielen Menschen geteilt hast.

May you rest in peace, joyous at all you've given to others.

My heartfelt condolences to Mary Ann, family, friends and colleagues.

I am saddened to hear of Marty's passing. I have so many fond memories of our times together and his dry sense of humor.  When I was recovering from major back surgery, he sent a dessert called Muriel's torte.  Eventually he gave me the recipe and I have made the dessert every time I want to impress people. Each time, it was baked, I said "Thank you Marty."  Now I will say a prayer.  Maryann, so sorry for your loss.

Bernadette Parasolle
RHS--Chemistry.

Dear Maryann and Family

I was saddened to hear of your loss.
Marty and I spent the major part of our professional careers together in the Randolph Township School District. 
We both grew up in South River NJ.  As I was seven years older than Marty, we never attended school together.  Our mothers were good friends.  After our respective retirements we kept in touch, both studied art at County Colleges, were members of the Roxbury Art Association, and participated in art exhibits throughout Morris and Sussex Counties.  Marty was a true inspiration to his students and a wonderful teacher.  He touched the lives of so many and will be missed and dearly remembered.  It has been an honor to have him as a friend.  With God's blessings may he rest in peace.
    Elmer Dey

Dear Mary Ann, 
   I am so sorry to hear of Marty's passing. He was a truly nice person, a talented artist, and, to my surprise, an accomplished knitter.  He will be sorely missed by everyone who knew him.

Jeff and I offer our deepest sympathy to you and your family at this most difficult time.  May his bright light and gentle example guide you through these moments.  We will bear in mind the request to show kindness and caring in our interactions, in his memory.

So sorry to hear of Martin's passing.   He was a truly nice man and contributed greatly over many years to the Sussex County Art Society.  We truly appreciated his service to our organization.
          With deepest sympathy, Wendy Stamer, SCAS president

Dear Maryann,

So sorry to hear of your husbands passing   I offer up prayers for the repose of his soul in which my sister Ellie joins me.   May he rest in peace.    With God's blessings.   Aunt Terry Comer.

Our deepest sympathy to Martin's family.  He was a kind, caring man without a mean bone in his body!  He took excellent care of Mary Ann and was a delicious cook--made us many treats for book club!  He will surely be missed.  RIP good man Marty!

Teri and I are saddened to hear of Marty's passing.  We enjoyed being Marty and Mary Ann's neighbors for many years in Stillwater.  A delightful couple who were great to share a glass of wine or a meal together.
Marty expressed his faith in many ways and was an inspiration to me.  His artistic side thrilled many and brought joy to so many during the years.
Marty was also resillent!  No matter what health issue surfaced, Marty moved forward with determine grace and resolve.
There is still much to learn and alway admire from and about Marty.

I'm so sorry to hear of his passing. He was my German teacher throughout high school and while I was a marginal, at best, student of the German language, the trip to Germany that I took under his guidance instilled a love of international travel in me.  I wound up living in France during college and travel abroad as often as possible.  He was a great teacher and I still tell the story about how when he would get genuinely upset with us he would start speaking angry polish... Except there was a girl in class who also spoke polish and would start laughing...  Truly a great core memory.  He will be missed by the many students who he had a positive impact on over the years.  Rest in peace.

Martin was a lifelong friend. We were classmates at the East Brunswick, New Jersey elementary schools, South River High School and Rutgers University where we were dormitory roommates in Hardenbergh Hall. I will never forget us using clip-on roller skates and exploring the sidewalks of the Old Bridge Turnpike and adjacent side streets of South River during one summer.
     Although decades passed before we re-established social media communication, our bond was as strong as ever. During the recent years we shared a mutual interest in gardening, especially flowers.
     One hour ago I discovered Martin's obituary and, honestly, I was shocked. He was an important part of my life and a truly fine person. I assumed we would continue to exchange thoughts indefinitely; however, life is uncertain and not guaranteed. It will take a long time for me to process his death.
      To his family I send my sincerest condolences.

Martin was a amazing man, so kind and so down to earth. I will miss him. May he rest in peace Martin 🙏 My condolances to Maryanne and family ❤️

OBITUARY

Martin Leonard Chapkosky

September 5, 1942 – March 11, 2026

Smith-McCracken Funeral Home

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