Philip Chapin Nolen

Philip Chapin Nolen, 92, of Montecito, CA, passed away peacefully April 24, 2025, at Casa Dorinda. Known as Chapin or Chape, he led a life marked by love of family, service, and a passion for connection. Born in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, Chapin grew up in Upper Arlington, Ohio, where his father was a professor at Ohio State University, and he became a lifelong Buckeye fan. After WWII, his family moved to Bronxville, New York, where Chapin played varsity basketball and football at Bronxville High School. In 1954, he earned his bachelor’s degree from Yale University, where he was an editor for the Yale Daily News and made many life-long friends. 

Chapin served in the U.S. Air Force Reserves from 1954-1957, earning the rank of Captain and top honors in the pilot division. In 1959, he earned his MBA from Harvard Business School and began a distinguished career in business. He held leadership positions at Strasenburgh Laboratories (Pharmacraft) and Whitehall Laboratories (American Home Products). He joined Combe Incorporated, an entrepreneurial personal care products company as President in 1970 and remained with Combe until he retired. During his tenure, Combe grew from 27 to more than 1,000 employees and established a multinational presence. Chapin also served as Chair of the Cosmetic, Toiletry, and Fragrance Association (CTFA), advocating for product safety and research. 

Chapin lived for many years in Bedford, New York, where he and his then-wife Barbara raised their three daughters. He believed in giving back and did so in many ways. He served on several nonprofit boards and dedicated considerable time mentoring young leaders and supporting budding entrepreneurs. In 1981, he married Cynthia Impey with whom he shared a love of design, gardens, and dogs. The couple eventually relocated to Montecito after Chapin retired. Together, Chapin and Cynthia worked on civic initiatives with Casa del Herrero, Lotusland, the Garden Conservancy, Elings Park, and the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden. Chapin also served on the board of the Santa Barbara Museum of Art and was proud to support the installation of the Siqueiros mural. Chapin championed dog access in public spaces and service dog initiatives, and with Cynthia, helped establish a veterinary cardiology residency at Colorado State University Veterinary School. 

Chapin’s overarching passion was engaging his friends and family in things he loved, especially sports. For more than a decade, he organized the “Turkey Bowl” at Elings Park, a multi-generational soccer match and picnic for his grandchildren and his friends’ grandchildren. Chapin loved connecting with everyone and anyone – at the farmers’ market, at the dog park, on the golf course, or around a table. To Chapin, everyone was a neighbor, and he treated them that way. 

He is survived by his family: Catherine (Casey) Nolen Jackson (Lincoln), Lisa Nolen Birmingham (James), Wendy Nolen, Victoria Randle Fine (Robb), and John Randle (Erin); twelve grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Cynthia, and his brother, Wilson Nolen. A family burial at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, Bedford, New York will be scheduled this summer. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden or Guiding Eyes for the Blind (Yorktown, NY) are welcome.