Donald Leigh Chapman

Donald Chapman passed away peacefully on July 2, 2026 at Treasure Coast Hospice House surrounded by his family. He was hospitalized for two weeks with a series of complicated medical issues beginning with extreme respiratory distress.

Don grew up with four brothers in Greece, New York, a suburb of Rochester. He had fond memories of vacationing with his family in the Adirondack Mountains and developed a love of the outdoors. Don was an entrepreneur his whole life from selling newspapers as a kid to waxing floors in college to running his own accounting firm.

Upon graduating from John Marshall High School in 1960, he enlisted in the Army and was stationed in Germany until 1963. Because of his European travels during his army years, Don developed a passion for traveling and wanted to return to Europe. Returning from the army, Don attended the University of Rochester, where he met his wife Linda at the Bungalow (local college bar) in March, 1964. They married in June, 1966 during his senior year. As a way of sharing his love of the mountains with his new bride, they honeymooned in the Adirondack Mountains. Because Linda also shared his love for the outdoors, the mountains became an annual vacation spot which led to purchasing a second home on Big Moose Lake. Whenever Don faced challenges, Big Moose Lake brought him back to a happy place.

After graduation, returning to Europe became a reality. Don and Linda spent 3 months in a VW traveling 9500 miles through 12 countries. Their love of travel continued throughout their married life with numerous trips throughout the United States, Central America, Europe and South America.

Don always wanted to have his own firm but needed experience first. So, he started at Peat Marwick Mitchell & Co. for 3 years. Then he worked part time at another firm and began building his own business at home. Working from home was something Don really enjoyed because he was able to spend time with his young family. He partnered with John Schifferli from 1971 until he formed Donald L. Chapman & Company in 1984. This evolved to Chapman, Collins, Agostinelli and Shaw until 1998. At that time, he merged into Davie Kaplan Chapman & Braverman, and he retired in 2005. In 2007, the New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants (NYSSCPA) Rochester Chapter inducted Don into the CPA Hall of fame. This was a great honor for him and a tribute to his exemplary professional service to countless companies and individuals.

Fatherhood was a surprising joy in his life. Despite the many demands of running his business, Don was an active participant in Rob and Patty’s activities. Some special memories were coaching Rob’s little league baseball teams, Boy Scout camping trips, and Patty’s father/daughter Girl Scout events. Sharing his love of the outdoors led to much time being spent in the Adirondacks to hike, sail, tennis, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing. Annual family trips exploring the United States and the Caribbean instilled a love of travel in the children as well.

Don's favorite pastimes other than travel were tennis, paddle and boating. He enjoyed nearly a quarter century of summer tennis and winter paddle, primarily at the Tennis Club of Rochester (where he served 2 terms on the Board of Governors 1991-1996). He and Linda loved sailing in the Caribbean on a 42'CSY sailboat, and they had many special adventures exploring the waterways off Lake Ontario on their 35' Cruiser Inc., Tapestry.

Don’s greatest challenge was losing his sight in June 2005. After suffering a major head injury in September that year, he would share the miracle of his recovery through Jesus Christ and remained positive the rest of his life.

Don loved his home in Summerfield, FL where he enjoyed weekly breakfast with the boys, the beautiful weather, listening to various radio commentators, many social events, weekend trips, and cruising. He loved people and once he met you, he would remember your story. He had a great memory. Perhaps his greatest gift was his ability to talk with anyone about anything.

Don will be remembered for his strong faith, his upbeat, positive attitude, and his great love of family and friends. May he rest in peace with his heavenly Father.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years Linda, his children Rob (Sue) Chapman, Patty Chapman, his grandchildren, Christian Chapman, Autumn Chapman, his brother Ron (Kathy) Chapman and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard K and Ruth Chapman, brothers Dave (Linda) Chapman, Dick (Nancy) Chapman, and Neil (Emily) Chapman.

In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to the Treasure Coast Hospice House.