Nicholas Peter Chiapelas

Nicholas Peter Chiapelas, 89, of St. Louis, MO died on June 29th, 2026. “Nick” was born in St. louis, MO on July 11th, 1936 to Angela (nee Jemas) and Peter Chiapelas, an immigrant from Greece who came to the US at Ellis Island when he was eleven. Nick attended Mallinckrodt grade school and Southwest High School before graduating from Missouri University, Columbia with honors from the School of Journalism. It was in high school where, as state champion quarterback of the football team, he met the love of his life Angela DeRosa. The two dated in college and married upon graduation. Shortly after graduating and active duty in the United States Army, Nick worked in the advertising field followed by an accomplished career in the Printing/Graphic Arts industry. During this time he was Chairman of the Printing Industries of St. Louis, Chairman of the Printing Industries of Mid America, Chairman of the National Association of Printers and Lithographers. He was also the recipient of the Walter Soderstrom Award, a national honor in recognition of management excellence. He was Chairman of the Junior Ad Club of St. Louis, Chairman of the President’s Council at St. Louis University, Chairman of the Small Business Council of The St. Louis Regional Commerce and Growth Association and selected as “Small Business Man of the ‘Year” by the Regional Commerce and Growth Association. In addition, Nick was the President of Keeler Morris Printing Co. and Owner/CEO of The Graphic Arts Center of St. Louis. While he was a high achiever in the business world, His greatest achievement was his family. Nothing brought him more joy than spending time with his kids/spouses, grandkids, and great grandkids. He never missed his grandson’s games or events. He was the definition of a devoted family man. In addition to his immediate family, he loved his Kirkwood Public Library family where he worked for the past 15 years. Nick also counted hundreds of friends as his cherished family. From his St. Genevieve family, advertising group, Dialogue group, Village friends, golf buddies to all of the longtime family friends; he loved them all. Nick is survived by his children, Diane (Dave) Archibald and Tom (Liz) Chiapelas, Grandchildren Margaret (Jimmy) Borrasso, Nick (Kristina) Archibald, Sam and Pete Chiapelas and Great Grandchildren, Angie and Archie Borrasso. Memorial Visitation on Saturday, July 11 from 10:00 to 11:00 am. Memorial Mass at 11:00 am all at Ste. Genevieve du Bois Catholic Church. In lieu of donations, contributions may be made to St. Genevieve Du Bois Catholic Church, The Kirkwood Public Library and St. Agnes Home in Kirkwood. Arrangements by Bopp Chapel.

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Nicholas Peter Chiapelas

July 11, 1936 - June 29, 2026