Charles Arnold Clapper

BUCKSPORT – Charles A. Clapper, Jr. 91, passed away peacefully on July 6, 2020, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on June 23, 1929 in Brooklyn, New York, to Dr.Charles and Florence Clapper. He spent most of his adult life in Bucksport, where he raised his twelve children with his wife of 67 years, Leona. He had a strong love for his family and friends. Charles served in the U.S. Army from 1951-54. He spent part of that time stationed in Germany. He then graduated from Cornell University in 1957 with a BS in Education and in 1958 with an MS in Engineering. He taught Chemistry and Physics at Bucksport High School from 1959 to 1964. He then worked as a mechanical engineer at St. Regis Paper Mill for 30 years. After retiring from the mill in 1994, he spent a lot of time woodworking. He handcrafted numerous items for his family, of which his specialty was a hall bench. Charles was an avid runner for many years. He logged numerous miles around Bucksport and the surrounding towns. He especially enjoyed running the Carriage Trails in Bar Harbor. He competed in numerous races, including marathons. He was well known among the local running community. Besides running, Charles also loved playing bridge. He and his wife frequently played in bridge groups. He was very involved in his church, St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Bucksport, where he was a lector and eucharistic minister for many years. In addition to his parents, Charles was predeceased 8 days earlier by his wife Leona. He was also predeceased by his sister-in-law Harriet Pendleton and her husband Daniel, by his sister-in-law Eleanor Jackson, by his daughter Barbara Thompson, and by his sons-in-law Richard Stevens, Richard Leach, and Richard Schroeder. He is survived by his sister-in-law Marjorie Pendleton and her husband James, his brother-in-law Paul Jackson, his son Charles Clapper and his wife Alta, his daughter Leona Stevens, his daughter Catherine Leach, his daughter Theresa Clapper, his son Thomas Clapper, his son-in-law Thomas Thompson, his son Gerard Clapper and his wife Caskie, his son Joseph Clapper and his wife Renee, his daughter Margaret Jones and her husband Christopher, his daughter Mary Buck and her husband Bryan, his daughter Patricia Craig and her husband John, and his son Michael Clapper and his wife Regina. He is also survived by dozens of grandchildren and great grandchildren. There will be a private service for family only later in the summer. There will be a celebration of life for family and friends at a later date. Arrangements are under the care of Mitchell-Tweedie Funeral Home and Cremation Services Bucksport. (mitchelltweedie-young.com)