David (Dave) George Lachapelle

David George Lachapelle was born on January 11, 1939 to George Joseph Lachapelle and Helen Marie Lachapelle of Lowell, MA. He is survived by his wife Jerry of 60 years; Son, Craig and daughter, Jayme and a brother, Ronald Gerard Lachapelle.

Dave and Jerry met in 1964 at a dance club for young Christian adults while he was in the U. S. Army in Rosedale, MD. It was truly love at first sight for both. After Dave’s military discharge, they married and were dance partners all through life. They traveled throughout the United States, Caribbean and Europe. Dave had a passion for new cars, as well as, being an enthusiastic photographer.

David graduated from the University of Massachusetts at Lowell (formerly Lowell Technological Institute), with a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering. In January 1962, he was inducted into the United States Army and assigned to the Army Chemical Corps at Edgewood Arsenal, MD. Upon military discharge in January 1964, he joined the Department of the Army at Edgewood Arsenal as a Civil Service employee. He participated in several nuclear weapons tests conducted in the Nevada desert during the early 1960’s. He authored several papers related to technologies for nuclear waste mitigation and disposal. In January 1972, he was recruited to join the newly formed U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in Research Triangle Park, NC. He spent his nearly 27-year career at EPA managing large scale research, development and demonstration programs focused on controlling air pollution from coal-fired sources. His work took him to many parts of this country. He authored, presented, and published, many technical papers. During his career, he received numerous superior performance promotions, awards, and citations, including EPA’s Bronze Medal for Commendable Service. He retired in October 1998 after nearly 37 years of combined U.S. Military and civilian service.

A memorial service will be held on October 22nd at 2:00 pm at Hayes Barton United Methodist Church, 2209 Fairview Rd, Raleigh, NC 27608. The family will receive friends at a reception following the service.

In lieu of flowers memorial may be given to Hayes Barton United Methodist Church, Transitions LifeCare and the Miracle League of Wake County.