Michael S. Chmura of Jambray Drive, Smithfield, R.I., and Vineyard Haven, the well-respected co-owner of East Chop Sleep Shop and the man who ensured a good night’s sleep for many Islanders, died Wednesday, June 1, 2016, at Fatima Hospital in Rhode Island. He was 67.
Michael and his wife Patricia E. (Ferguson) Chmura, the owners of East Chop Sleep Shop, the company they founded in 1984, were a familiar presence in homes across the Island. Michael was often part of the crew that picked up old mattresses and delivered new ones.
Determined to protect the beauty of the Island, MIchael helped develop Responsible Mattress Disposal, or RMD, as the Chmuras called the program, which transported unwanted bedding to a recycling center in Willimantic, Conn.
“We wanted to do our part, and solve a business problem,” Mr. Chmura told The Times. “We encourage all Islanders to do their parts to keep Martha’s Vineyard as pristine as possible.”
Born in Pawtucket, Michael was the son of the late Stanley and Wanda Chmura. He had lived in Smithfield since 1993, and had previously lived in North Providence. He was a graduate of St. Raphael’s Academy, and the University of Rhode Island, class of 1971, where he was a member of PSI Kappa and later received his master’s in education from Rhode Island College. He was a member of Rock Steady Boxing Club.
Prior to founding East Chop Sleep Shop, he was a special education teacher at Ponaganset High School.
Besides his wife, he is survived by his two sons and their wives, Timothy and Cheryl Chmura of Cranston, R.I; and Todd and Melissa Chmura of Monticello, Ky.; and grandchildren Ryan, Aaron and Alexandria.
A memorial service will be held Tuesday, June 7, 2016 at 11 am in the Evangelical Covenant Church, 841 North Main Street, Attleboro. Visitation is on Monday, June 6, from 4 to 7 pm in the Anderson-Winfield Funeral Home, Route 44 at Greenville Common, Greenville.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Parkinson’s Place, 65 Blackstone Avenue, Pawtucket, RI 02860. For messages of condolence, see andersonwinfield.net.
