Louis D. Chabut 1939-2026

Louis suffered an aneurysm at his Florida home on Oct. 23, 2025. His son, Louis, brought him back to the Youngstown area in December, where he received care from Sanctuary Hospice until his passing.

Born Nov. 19, 1939, at Northside Hospital in Youngstown, Louis was one of identical twin brothers, Leroi Chabut, a son born to Louis M. Chabut and Helen Hunter Henley Chabut of Buena Vista Avenue in Boardman.

He was baptized, confirmed and a longtime member of St. John Episcopal Church on Wick Avenue in Youngstown, where he sang in the choir for many years.

After graduating from Boardman High School in 1958, Louis was presented with the opportunity to study opera but instead chose to serve his country. He joined the United States Army, married the former Mary L. McLean of Youngstown in 1958 and served in France before returning home in 1962.

Louis and Mary later built their family home on Pine Lake Road in Beaver Township, where they raised their family. They were married until 2012.

Louis learned military bookkeeping during his service and continued his business education at Youngstown State University. Around 1966, he and his father founded United Claims and Adjustment, a collection agency. As his father retired, Louis assumed increasing responsibility in sales, collections and management. Mary later became his business partner and together they successfully operated the company until its sale in 2010.

A devoted community member, Louis coached the Vikings miniature football team, including his son, Lou Jr., and was active with the Ruritan Club.

Around 1974, Louis and Mary joined St. James Episcopal Church in Boardman, later becoming members of Calvary Assembly – now The Bridge – on Glenwood Avenue. Throughout his life of faith, Louis sang in choirs, led song services and confidently performed gospel solos, sharing a voice that many fondly remember. He also visited boys’ detention centers and often hired individuals experiencing homelessness or recovering from addiction to help with property maintenance.

In 2012, Louis fulfilled a lifelong dream of moving to St. Augustine, Florida. There, he joined Trinity Parish Episcopal Church and continued his ministry of helping the homeless and those in recovery – acts of kindness he carried out with humor and humility, even when it led to memorable mishaps.

Though not formally trained, Louis possessed deep knowledge of scripture and history, allowing him to evangelize and touch countless lives, as longtime friend and Pastor Joe Cameneti will attest.

Louis is survived by his son, Louis Chabue and wife, Melody of Beaver Township; his beloved sister, Shirley Harter; niece, Katheleen H. Olinger; nephew, Michael Dill of Florida; grandchildren who lovingly knew him as “Popeye,” Brian Chabue of Ohio and Rachel Grzybowski of New York; great-grandchildren, Noelle Chabue, Aurora Grzybowski and Elijah Grzybowski; and nephew, Rob McLean of Pennsylvania.

May God be with him in his new journey.

Family and friends may call 11 to 11:45 a.m. Friday, Feb. 6, 2026, at Cunningham-Becker Funeral Home, 270 N. Main St., Poland.

An Anglican Episcopal service will follow at noon Friday at the funeral home, officiated by the Rev. J. Harris, with the Rev. Joe Cameneti, speaker and longtime friend of Louis.

Full military honors will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, 5400 Market St., Boardman, conducted by the U.S. Army and Ellsworth VFW Post #9571.

Visit www.beckerobits.com to share memories and condolences with the Chabut family.

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