Lawrence Martin Chatman, Jr., lovingly known as Larry, entered God’s kingdom as the only child born to Bernice (Smith) and Lawrence Chatman. From an early age, education and hard work were deeply rooted values in the Chatman family, shaping Larry’s meaningful life and career.
Larry graduated from Ewing High School in New Jersey and went on to attend Rutgers University, College of Engineering. In 1973, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering, standing out as one of a small group of Black students in his class. While completing his final year at Rutgers, Larry met the love of his life, Linda. The two were married in 1975, beginning a journey together led by the Holy Spirit that spanned nearly five decades.
Early in his career, Larry joined ESB (later acquired by Medcor) in Newtown, PA, as a design engineer, where he contributed to improving heart pacemaker monitoring systems. His thirst for knowledge led him to the University of Pittsburgh, where he earned an MBA through a prestigious full scholarship. During this time, Larry and Linda began their married life in Pittsburgh, PA.
Following his MBA, Larry embarked on a diverse and impactful career in engineering and business. At Air Products & Chemicals in Trexlertown, PA, he worked as an Assistant Product Manager in the Specialty Gas Division, marketing products to industries such as nuclear power, electronics, and magnesium manufacturing. Later, he joined RCA Broadcast Systems in Camden, NJ, as Product Manager of OEM video recorders. During his tenure, Larry played a key role in developing the groundbreaking Hawkeye camcorder, the first broadcast-quality one-piece video camcorder, which earned RCA an Emmy Award for Technology and Engineering. He collaborated with Japanese engineers at Matsushita (Panasonic) to create the recorder portion of the product, a highlight of his career.
After General Electric acquired RCA and closed its Broadcast Division, Larry briefly worked at General Instrument in Hatboro, PA, managing videoconferencing products in their early, pre-digital days. However, Larry’s entrepreneurial spirit soon called him to establish his own video production company. He created corporate sales, marketing, and training videos for companies including Scott Paper, Sunoco, and Space Camp, and recorded significant events such as the 1993 African-African American Summit in Gabon, Africa.
A chance encounter with a former colleague led Larry to education, a field in which he found his true calling. He joined Camden County College as a Professor of Engineering Science and Technology. Over his 30-year career, Larry served as a department chair and took on numerous leadership roles. His dedication to academic excellence inspired him to pursue a doctoral degree, earning his Doctor of Education (EdD) from Wilmington University in 2009. In 2011, his contributions were recognized with the Camden County College Lindback Distinguished Teaching Award. In 2023, Larry’s lifelong commitment to engineering education was further honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE).
Beyond his professional life, Larry was a man of many passions. He was a talented musician who played bass and guitar in numerous jazz bands. A devout Catholic, he served as a Eucharistic minister and videographer for the St. Joseph and Immaculate Heart of Mary parishes. Larry was also an active member of the Knights of Peter Claver, Council #383, serving as treasurer for many years. Together with Linda, he participated in the Worldwide Marriage Encounter program during the 1990s as a team couple. The couple’s love for travel took them to six continents, where Larry enjoyed meeting people and sharing his belief that all humanity shares the same aspirations: peace, self-determination, and a better life for future generations.
In addition to his many accomplishments, Larry’s greatest pride and joy came from being a devoted and loving husband and father. He was an extraordinary provider and protector to his two beautiful children and wife. Known for his kindness, honesty, reliability, and exceptional listening skills, Larry was deeply cherished by his family and beloved by his friends.
Larry is survived by his devoted wife, Linda; daughter, Lisa; son, Lawrence III (Sara); grandchildren, Ava and Evan; brother-in-law, Stanley Darrell as well as cherished cousins and friends. A loving husband, father, and grandfather, Larry’s legacy of love, dedication, and achievement will forever inspire those who knew him.
A viewing will be held on Friday, November 22, from 10:30-11:30 am at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, 4701 Weldin Rd, Wilmington, DE 19803 where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 12 noon. Burial will be held privately.
The family has requested that memorials in Larry’s name be made in the form of contributions to:
Knights of Peter Claver, Inc.
Bishop Joseph Francis Council #383
c/o St. Joseph Church
1012 French Street
Wilmington, DE 19801
For online condolences visit: www.mccreryandharra.com
