Obituary

Jacob “Jack” Allan Chapman
February 17, 1933 - September 23, 2026
Resident of Orinda & Davis
Jacob “Jack” Allan Chapman, born February 17, 1933,
passed away on September 23, 2026, at the age of 93, after
a long and full life defined above all by the people he
loved.
Jack was the son of Leona (Feuer) and Joseph Chapman
and grew up in Glendale, California, with his three siblings.
He was preceded in death by his brother, Bill
Chapman, and sister, Mitzi Gam, and is survived by his
twin brother, Joe Chapman of Garrison, New York.
After serving in the United States Army in Korea, Jack
attended the University of Southern California, earning a
degree in Business. USC shaped far more than his education:
it was there that he met Gale Serena Berke, the
love of his life. Jack and Gale shared 61 years of marriage
before her passing in May 2019, building a life rich in
family, friendship, travel, and cherished memories.
USC remained an important part of the Chapman family
story. Jack’s mother, Leona, was the first woman to graduate
Phi Beta Kappa from USC. Both of Jack’s parents attended
the university, followed by Jack and Gale, and later
their sons, Ron and Ken, in graduate school. Jack remained
a devoted USC football fan throughout his life.
Jack enjoyed a successful career designing and building
residential subdivisions, working in Florida and, for most
of his career, throughout the Bay Area. He and Gale lived
in Walnut Creek and later Orinda, where they raised their
sons. Jack also served on local community design boards,
enjoyed hiking, and was active in their temple.
Above all, Jack treasured his family. He is survived by
his sons, Ron and Ken; their wives, Mary and Bonnie;
four grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren: Erika
and her husband, Akiba, and their son, Akiba; Zoey and
her husband, Luke, and their daughter, Juniper; Alex and
his partner, Lara; and Tanner and his partner, Katie. He
also leaves several beloved nephews and their families.
Jack’s greatest joy was simply being together. Family
gatherings in Orinda, shared travels, USC football games,
and especially repeated trips to Poipu Beach on Kauai
became lasting family traditions.
The closeness of Jack’s family may be his greatest legacy.
He created a life in which being together mattered.
Those bonds continue to unite the family he cherished.
He lived well, loved deeply, and was loved beyond measure.
Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s
Association or the Yosemite Conservancy.