Richard Earl Chase, 88, of Mattapoisett died at home on August 21, 2009 surrounded by his family after a courageous battle with cancer. He was the beloved husband of Jane T. Chase.
Born in Taunton, he was the son of the late William H. and Helen G. Chase.
Richard graduated from Wentworth Institute in Boston and became a partner in the general contracting firm of Sullivan-Foster inNew Bedford.
Mr. Chase enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served his country in World War II as Boatswain's Mate Second Class. Dick served in the North Atlantic on a mine sweeper and in the Philippines on a landing barge. He served the Town of Mattapoisett for 50 years on the Planning Board. Fondly remembered for his love of sailing, Dick and his brother Donald built two Hereshoff designed yachts which were often seen sailing the waters of Buzzards Bay with his family and friends.
Survivors include his wife of 60 years; four children, Jeffrey R. Chase and his wife Deborah and Daniel W. Chase and his wife Melissa, all of Mattapoisett, Andrew J. Chase and his companion Kathy McLeod of Rochester, and Cynthia J. Chase of Fairhaven; a brother, Donald H. Chase; four grandchildren, Kendra, Brenden, Cory, and Nicole Chase; a great-grandchild, Hagen Chase; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was the brother of the late Russell W. Chase, Sr.
His Memorial Service will be held on Saturday August 29, 2009 at 10 AM at the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd., Route 6, Mattapoisett. Visiting hours will be on Friday from 4-7 PM. Remembrances may be made to Community Nurse and Hospice Care, P.O. Box 751, Fairhaven, MA 02719. For directions and guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.