Peter Chapulis, 77, Respected Figure in Antiques, Auction Community

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 a benefit auction for the Terryville Congregational Church on Friday evening, an estate sale on Saturday and was enjoying himself at one of Connecticut's casinos in the following days when he was stricken. 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 and New York. He was also predeceased by a brother, John.

A memorial service will be conducted Saturday, January 7, at 11 am, at the Immaculate Conception Church, Terryville. There are no calling hours. Scott Funeral Home, 169 Main Street, Terryville, is in charge of arrangements.

Memorial donations may be made to The Lyceum, 21 Maple Street, Terryville CT 06786.