Rhode Island’s musician community and all of Newport was reeling on Sunday when word spread that Malcolm ‘Mac’ Chrupcala, a long-time local musician, band leader and teacher had died.
The following is his obituary via Memorial Funeral Home.
Malcolm Warner “Mac” Chrupcala, 75, of Portsmouth died Saturday, November 26, 2016 at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, MA.
He was born July 15, 1941 in Fall River, MA., to the late William Chrupcala and the late Ruth Olive (Brereton) Ratcliffe. He graduated from Durfee High School. He received his Bachelors’ degree from Lowell State University and earned his Masters’ Degree from URI and continued graduate work through the years.
He is survived by his wife, Nancy and his daughter, Marielle aiCaterine, you may notice that her initials are “MAC”, and his niece Maia Chrupcala and her husband Corey Marino. He is the brother of the late Calvin Scott Chrupcala. His dog, Emmie, will miss him terribly.
He began his 28 year teaching career as band director in North Kingstown and procured a position in the Newport School Department which eventually led him to administrator of music for the city. He molded many young students to become the professional, talented musicians they are today.
26 years ago, he met his wife, Nancy, on the bandstand at a wedding where they were performing. Twelve years later, his daughter, the light of his life, Marielle was born. She is already exhibiting musical talent and Mac couldn’t be more proud of her musical and academic achievements.
Among his many professional accomplishments, one that he is most proud of, is earning Do-Dads status from Englewood Elementary School where Marielle attended. It signified that he met and exceeded the requirements needed to be an involved father to a student in the school.
Mac had many interests. He’s most known for promoting and perpetuating the jazz scene in Rhode Island, providing gigs for some of the most talented musicians in the area. His extensive musical career led him to wonderful places and friends. Mac was honored to be inducted into the Newport Jazz Hall of Fame. His talent opened numerous doors for him. He played so many fabulous places with world class musicians for his entire life but because he loved Newport, he made Rhode Island his home.
Through his life, he loved to sail his boat, the Witchcraft, with his basset hound, Abigail. He fancied his Porche as much as his 1946 Willey’s Jeep. He loved his summers on Prudence Island chilling with wonderful friends. He always looked forward to snow-birding in Englewood, Florida playing concerts for the Jazz Societies of Sarasota and Charlotte Counties.
He will remain an inspiration to family, musicians and friends and he will live on through his music.
Calling hours will be Thursday, December 1 from 4-8pm at Connors Funeral Home, 55 West Main Road, Portsmouth, RI.
The funeral will be held on Friday, December 2 at 10:30am in Trinity Church, One Queen Anne Square, Newport, RI.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Go Fund Me “Mac Chrupcala Memorial Fund”
Burial will be in Newport Memorial Park, 123 Howland Avenue in Middletown
