Antiques And The Arts Weekly Story

Respected Figure in Antiques, Auction Community  

LITCHFIELD, CONN. - Well known and highly respected, Peter W. Chapulis, 77, of Northfield Road, former Terryville resident, husband of Helen (Taylor) Chapulis, died December 21 at St Francis Hospital in Hartford after suffering a heart attack.

Peter was vice president of Tim's Inc Auctions of Bristol, Conn., and had worked as a driving force behind the auction company for the 26 years it has been in existence. Affectionately known by friends as "The Red Baron," often shortened to simply "The Baron," Peter was given the name after spending many years behind the wheel of the large red truck that the auction company uses to transport antiques to its auctions.

Peter was born May 8, 1928, in Bristol, son of the late William and Anna (Karoti) Chapulis. He was a resident of Terryville most of his life before moving to Litchfield seven years ago. He was a communicant of the Immaculate Conception Church, a member of the Plymouth Democratic Town Committee, a lifetime member of the Lock Museum of America, Terryville, and he supported a wide variety local and national nonprofit community-oriented charities and organizations. He was very active in the community, loved politics and attended President Bill Clinton's 1996 inaugural in Washington, D.C. During the summer, Peter and his family loved to vacation on Cape Cod.

Peter began in the antiques business more than 35 years ago, door-knocking and picking local barns to find fresh-to-the-market materials. Over the years he discovered many "great finds" and sold to a host of major dealers throughout the region.

"He always added oxygen to the room that he was in," stated his son and business partner Tim. "He had a wealth of knowledge and he was always willing to share that with everyone."

Peter was a grand spokesman for not only our his own auction house, but for all auction houses and the antiques industry in general, always looking for ways to get new people interested in collecting.

He also had a knack for treating everyone the same and making them feel important, whether they were consigning to him or simply discussing their own valuable antiques, an expensive trinket, or even the smallest of items.

In his typical full stride and living life to the fullest, Peter had just completed an auction at the Terryville Congregational Church on Friday evening, an estate sale on Sunday and was enjoying himself at one of Connecticut's casinos in the following days when he was stricken.The Chapulis family also hosted their annual Christmas party on that Saturday of the same weekend where Peter and his family entertained over 100 guests. His presence will be missed by all of Tim's loyal customers and friends alike.

Besides his wife of 48 years and his son, he leaves a sister, Regina Serapilia of Bristol; godchildren, Rachel Guillet and John Chapulis; and an extended family and friends in Cape Cod,New York,Boston, MA and in the local community. He was also predeceased by a brother, John.

The Chapulis family would like to say a sincere thank you for all the cards, emails, phone calls and kind words we have received since Peter's passing. In addition a special thank you to those of you who participated and attended in the memorial services held on Saturday Jan. 7th , 2006.

Memorial donations in Peter's memory may be made to: The Lyceum Building Fund, 21 Maple Street, Terryville CT 06786