Bennett Chapple III

Major Bennett “Ben” Chapple III, U.S.M.C. (Ret.), pilot, and devoted husband, passed away peacefully on February 22, 2025 at St. Barnabas in Valencia, PA. Born on April 14, 1936, Ben lived a life defined by service, adventure, and unwavering dedication to those he loved.

Ben enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1958, excelling as an officer and pilot, flying both fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters. His military career included serving two tours of duty in Vietnam. Ben was awarded a Purple Heart medal for injuries sustained while piloting a helicopter in combat. He also served as a flight instructor in Pensacola, and as a Presidential Helicopter Pilot based in Quantico.

In 1960, Ben married Patricia Schlickerman Chapple, and together they raised two sons, Bennett Riley Chapple and Todd Mitchell Chapple. Ben's military service took them to various locations, including Camp Lejeune, Aspinwall, San Diego, Pensacola, and Quantico, before settling in Mt. Lebanon in 1969. Though their paths later diverged, they shared many cherished memories.

After leaving the military in 1969, Ben became a corporate pilot for Rockwell International, continuing his passion for aviation. In 1973, he married Pamela Graham Chapple, with whom he built a loving home in Crafton. When Pamela became ill in the early 2000s, Ben cared for her with steadfast devotion.

An avid athlete and innovator, Ben excelled in football, wrestling, skiing, and tennis. He was a pioneer in slalom water skiing and had a deep love for electronics. He was also a member of the Iron City Fishing Club and enjoyed sailing his wooden sailboat on Georgian Bay.

Ben’s adventurous spirit was epitomized in January 1982 when he survived a harrowing helicopter crash into the icy Monongahela River. His quick thinking and resilience earned him an honorary membership in the Pittsburgh Polar Bear Club.

Ben was preceded in death by his wife Pamela, his parents, Bennett S. Chapple Jr. and Rebecca Sanders Chapple, and his sisters, Charlotte Chapple Bennett and Carolyn Jean Chapple Reed. He is survived by his sons, Bennett Riley Chapple (Sharon Jones Chapple) and Todd Mitchell Chapple (Kathleen Ruddy Chapple), as well as his grandchildren: Caitlin Chapple Flaherty (Sean Flaherty), Bennett Mitchell, Henry Mitchell, Hannah Patricia, William Slade, and Oliver Bennett. Ben is also survived by his brother-in-law Richard Graham and his wife Karen.

The extended Chapple family is grateful for the friendly and compassionate care that Ben & Pam received from the staff at St. Barnabas at Charity Place. We are also grateful for Richard and Karen's loving support for Ben over the past five years.

Ben’s legacy of strength, love, and perseverance will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

A celebration of life for Ben will be held Sunday, April 13, 2025 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM at H.P. Brandt Funeral Home, 1032 Perry Hwy, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15237.