Vincent Lachapelle

H. VINCENT LaCHAPELLE
H. Vincent LaChapelle, 94, passed away February 10, 2021. Born in 1926 in Detroit Michigan and where he later met and married his beloved wife, Bernadine (Bernie), in 1950. Employed by GE Aviation for 43 years, he traveled the world as a Flight Safety Investigator for military aircraft, investigating nearly 350 incidents during his career, always striving to identify the root cause, improve the process and institute preventative procedures whenever possible so that the error would not repeat. Being a pioneer in the field of aircraft accident investigation, he was self-taught and eagerly shared his wealth of knowledge by teaching his techniques of investigation to GE proteges, at US colleges and to international students thus achieving his goal of being the best damn accident investigation in the business. Recipient of the J.F. Lederer Award from the International Society of Air Safety Investigators (ISASI); inducted into the GE Aviation Propulsion Hall of Fame in recognition of his lifelong contributions to flight safety and his support of military customers around the world. Journeys to over 30 countries provided the rudiments for many stories of his adventures. He was always of quick wit, good humor, a great dancer, a true do-it-yourselfer, an avid reader of non-fiction and reciter of poetry. His favorite poem, 'The Road Not Taken' by Robert Frost describes him perfectly! After retiring from GE, he continued to travel with Bernie, driving their RV across the lower 48 states, Alaska and Canada, sharing their love of fishing and the great outdoors. WWII Navy veteran, resident of West Chester, OH for 56 years. Preceded in death by his wife and son, Mark V. LaChapelle. Survived by daughters Laura Douglas, Denise (Andrew) Beach; "Pepi" to grandsons Alex LaChapelle, Tyler Douglas and Ryan Douglas; Sam Douglas plus many cherished nieces, nephews, friends and relatives.

Visitation Mueller Funeral Home, 6791 Tylersville Rd., Mason, OH 45040, Thursday February 18 3-4 pm; Service immediately following. Face Masks REQUIRED/seating LIMITED due to social distancing. Private burial will be at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the National Park Foundation or the National Kidney Foundation.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the National Park Foundation or the National Kidney Foundation .