In Memory: Dominick “Guy” Chappie

December 2, 2013 Off By Eric O'Brien

Dominick “Guy” Chappie passed away last Friday, November 29 at the age of 102. Chappie made contributions to local radio after showing up at Duquesne University in 1949 at nearly 40 years of age. He was going back to school on the GI Bill, but he soon became WDUQ’s (90.5) first paid announcer. He was born in 1911 in Braddock to Italian Immigrants whose last name was Chiapetta. They “Americanized their name to “Chappie”. Chappie’s father worked at the Edgar Thompson Works of US Steel. Guy was led to work at the Homestead Works in 1936 after travelling to other areas to try and create a life for himself. In 1941, he enlisted in the Army for World War II. Afterward he returned to North Carolina where a radio station discovered Chappie’s baritone voice and put him on the air. Soon after, he returned to Pittsburgh to attend Duquesne. Following his years at WDUQ, he went to stations in Johnstown, Altoona, Washington, and eventually WHJB (620 Greensburg).

Chappie never married, but leaves behind a family of nieces and nephews.

(PG)