Francis F. Chase Obituary in Rockland at Magoun-Biggins

Obituaries

Francis F. Chase

Passed 10/22/2020

Obituary For Francis F. Chase

Francis Fessenden Chase Jr. age 96 died suddenly at South Shore Hospital on Thursday October 22, 2020. He was born in Boston MA, son of the late Francis F and Julia (Hall) Chase. He was the devoted husband of the late Elizabeth (Betsy) Wyman Chase for 65 years. Also survived by two sons Allan Bradford Chase of Rockland Ma, his wife Marie and their three sons, Justin of Rockland MA, Matthew of South Boston, MA, Daniel and his wife Bella Chase of Monroe, CT. His son Francis F Chase III, his predeceased wife Susan Chase, granddaughter Jennifer Chase and two great granddaughters from Beverly MA, his grandson Joshua and his wife Megan Chase of Florida. He was the brother of Allan H Chase and his surviving wife Judy of Norwell. Also surviving are many nieces and nephews.

He was raised and educated in Melrose MA. Francis graduated Proctor Academy in Andover, NH in 1942. After graduating high school he went on to attend and graduated from the United States Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point New York. He enlisted in the US Merchant Marines and served in in the North Atlantic during World War II.

After the war, Francis returned home and worked for the family business, Chase Parker hardware in Chelsea MA for 27 years. He served as treasurer and co-owner with his brother Allan H Chase.

He married the love of his life Elizabeth (Betsy) Wyman and raised two children in Norwell for 27 years. While living in Norwell he enjoyed his family time, volunteered as a Boy Scout leader and loved playing tennis, enjoyed skiing, and playing ice hockey with his boys. Francis and Betsy sailed many times to the US and British Virgin Islands, with friends.

After moving to Cape Cod in 1978, he worked for the Mellon estate as a grounds keeper. He drove for the Cape Cod Red Cross for 10 years, and the Barnstable Senior Center for many years. He also served the historical society of Barnstable as treasurer. He volunteered at the local food program. Francis belonged to the Satuit Masons Lodge and the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts. He joined the Cape Cod Ski Club in Hyannis MA and also skied into his late 70's. He loved sailing, clamming, and walking with his dogs.

After retiring from the Mellon estates, Francis and his beloved Betsy took several trips throughout Europe enjoying the museums, diverse cultures and richness of history.

Francis and his wife Betsy purchased a home in Stewart Florida in 2005 and enjoyed snow birding for 5 years before moving there permanently in 2010. They returned back to Massachusetts in January 2013 due to his Betsy's illness. At that time Francis moved to Rockland MA to reside with his son Allan (Brad) and family.

He enjoyed his time living with his son, daughter-in-law and their children. Francis loved to eat and lucky for him, Marie loved to cook. He took many long walks with Brad and Marie at the park, and during the winter months he rode the stationary bike. He enjoyed spending time with his grandsons, loved to go for rides in the car visiting his old homestead in Norwell.

The family welcomes friends and loved ones to celebrate his life on Saturday November 14th at the Mcgoun-Biggins Funeral Home 135 Union Street Rockland, MA from 9:00am to 11:00 am. A prayer service with full military honors will take place at Lothrop Hill Cemetery, route 6A Barnstable, MA. In lieu of flowers, you may make a donation in his name to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation 2361 Highland Blvd, Staten Island, NY 10306 or the Folds of Honor Foundation Department #13 Tulsa, OK 74182

Services

14 Nov

Visitation

09:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Magoun-Biggins Funeral Home 135 Union Street Rockland, MA 02370 Get Directions »

by Obituary Assistant

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Condolences

05/26/2021

Andrea Brigham

Uncle Brad, Aunt Marie, Justin, Matt, Daniel and Bella: May the love and light of God shine down upon you all. May your love and faith in our lord God help you through this, May you always remember the good times and the beautiful memories. God Bless to all!
Love Andrea and Corin
05/26/2021

Susan Cabral

Fran was a terrific person as well as a terrific coworker
05/26/2021

Amy Clark

Sending Love&Hugs
05/26/2021

John and Jane Dutton

The photo above shows the very great and noteworthy relationship I had with Fran, Betsy, and their family. I was honored to serve as an usher at their wedding and worked for Fran years later before entering the Air Force. My family enjoyed many memorable visits with them on Cape Cod. Fran epitomized what you would want as a close friend with his infectious humor, personality, and devotion to family. RIP, Fran, now with your beloved Betsy.
05/26/2021

Rich Marchand

Frank and Brad, your father was always great to me, I'll never forget him taking me to Bruin's games and into the Madison Square Garden club to meet a couple of players.
05/26/2021

Kathie and Larry Toon

Brad and Family - Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We will always remember waving to your Dad from the 8th green at Harmon when he was sitting outside. Deepest sympathy, Kathie and Larry Toon
05/26/2021

Diane Mason

Brad and Family my prayers are with you all. When Marie wasn't feeding him I'm honored that I could at Harmon. Sincerely Diane Mason.
05/26/2021

Jennifer Daniel

I miss the sweetest man I have ever known.
05/26/2021

Joshua Chase

Grampy thank you so much for everything that you and Grammy did for me. You were the lighthouses that helped me to port in the storm of my life. I think fondly of the monthly visits Megan and I would have in Stuart. How I loved sitting with you and grammy talking about life, and family. I would give anything to do that just one more time. Just know that I am grateful to have had you in my life and will miss you until we meet again.