NEW ROCHELLE, NY (September 17, 2025) — Brother Kenneth R. Chapman CFC, a longtime educator and member of the Congregation of Christian Brothers, died Sept. 12 at age 90.
Born Oct. 19, 1934, Chapman was the son of Walter and Emma Chapman. He attended St. Luke’s Elementary School in Whitestone, Queens, Power Memorial Academy and St. Joseph’s Juniorate. He received a bachelor’s degree in English from Iona College and a master of fine arts from Catholic University.
Chapman entered the Congregation of Christian Brothers on Sept. 15, 1951, and professed his final vows on June 27, 1960.
His ministry included positions at St. Cecilia’s Grammar School, Iona Grammar School, Cardinal Farley Military Academy and Brother Rice High School in Chicago, where he served as teacher and superior. He also taught at St. Patrick’s High School in California and served as superior at St. John’s Indian Mission in Arizona. Chapman was a councilor for the Western American Province of the Christian Brothers and a Loftus Scholar at Iona University.
Most recently, he was a member of the Brothers’ community at St. Joseph’s Residence in New Rochelle.
Chapman was predeceased by his parents, Walter and Emma Chapman, and his brother, Walter. He is survived by his brother, Robert Chapman.
Visitation is set for 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 17 at Graham Funeral Home, 1036 Boston Post Road, Rye. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 9:30 a.m. Sept. 18 at Holy Family Church, 83 Clove Road, New Rochelle. Interment will follow at the Christian Brothers Cemetery in West Park.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Chapman’s memory to St. Joseph’s Residence, 30 Montgomery Circle, New Rochelle, NY 10804.
The Br. Kenneth Chapman Art Gallery is located in the JoAnn Mazzella Murphy Arts Center on North Avenue in New Rochelle.
This article was drafted with the aid of Grok, an AI tool by xAI, under the direction and editing of Robert Cox to ensure accuracy and adherence to journalistic standards.