WEBSTER - Leonard A. Chauvin, 86, of Webster, died Easter Sunday, April 4, 2010, in Webster Manor.
He leaves a sister, Rachel V. Gagnon of Webster; a brother, Dr. John H. Chauvin and his wife Mary of Olmsted Falls, OH; several nieces and nephews, a great niece and a great nephew. He was preceded in death by a sister, Elaine B. Picazio, in 1990.
He was born in Webster, a son of John B. Chauvin and Stella G. (Radziewicz) Chauvin and lived here all his life. He attended Saint Anne’s Elementary School and graduated from Bartlett High School in 1942, where he was the captain of the varsity basketball team. He later completed the accelerated course in biology and chemistry and earned his Bachelor of Science Degree from Tufts University in Boston. He attended medical school for 2 years. In 1970, he was awarded a Master of Science Degree from Worcester Polytechnic Institute. In addition, he attended summer courses at Holy Cross College, the University of Massachusetts, the University of Connecticut, Hartford University and Tafts College Summer School for Teachers in Watertown, CT.
Mr. Chauvin first worked as the assistant manager of his family’s store, Chauvin’s Market in Webster. He then taught chemistry and health science at Bartlett High School and was chairman of the science department there from 1969 to 1990 when he retired. Professionally, he was a member of the New England Teachers’ Association of Chemistry, a former member of the MTA and NEA, and was active for years in local, state and regional science fair committees. He was also president of the Webster-Dudley Teachers Association in the late 1960’s. He was an active member of the former Bartlett High School Alumni Association.
He was a lifelong communicant of Sacred Heart of Jesus Church. He taught Christian Doctrine from 1959 to 1960, served as a Eucharistic minister, lector and greeter, was a weekly adorer at the Blessed Sacrament Chapel and was a member of the bible study group. He volunteered for church functions and festivals. He was a life member of the League of the Sacred Heart. He promoted the Miraculous Medal Association. He attended a yearly retreat at Calvary Retreat Center in Shrewsbury since 1965 and also prayed a private retreat at Saint Joseph’s Abbey in Spencer every summer.
Mr. Chauvin was a life member and volunteer for the Friends of the Chester C. Corbin Public Library. He served on its board of trustees for two years and was once its chairman.
He was an avid reader and loved classical and organ music. He enjoyed sports, especially basketball.
The funeral will be held Saturday, April 10, from Scanlon Funeral Service, 38 East Main Street, with a Mass at 10:00 AM in Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, 16 East Main Street. Burial will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery. Calling hours will be from 4:00 to 7:00 PM Friday, April 9, in the funeral home. Donations in his name may be made to Saint Anne Elementary School, 12 Day Street, PO Box 818, Webster, MA 01570.