Ralph F. Chase, 94, of East St. Johnsbury, passed away early Saturday morning, April 13, 2013. He had resided at the St.
Johnsbury Health and Rehab Center since January 2010; his wife Marjorie has resided there since August 2012.
He was born in St. Johnsbury on Feb. 7, 1919, the son of Ralph Hiram Chase Sr. and Helen (Fisher) Chase. He was
predeceased by his daughter Patricia Pilette in 1989. Ralph was proud to have served in the Army Air Corps during
WWII. He was a crew chief and served in the China-Burma-India (CBI) theatre. Before he went overseas he
married his sweetheart Marjorie Camp of St. Johnsbury. They would have been married 70 years this coming May 14th!
Upon return from his military service he worked as an electrician for Reliance Electric. Ralph's principal employment
was at Ralston Purina. He later worked at the Burndy plant in Littleton until his retirement.
Ralph had a lot to do with the formation of the Little League
team comprising Waterford, East St. Johnsbury and Concord and enjoyed coaching the team
for many years. He served the Third Congregational Church as their longtime treasurer and
warden, and, in terms of number of membership years, was thought to be the church's oldest
member. Besides his family, the Boston Red Sox were his lifelong passion. He bowled on the
Reliance Electric and Purina teams at Gold Crown Lanes.
He is survived by his wife of nearly 70 years Marjorie (Camp) Chase, son David Chase and wife
Pamela of East St. Johnsbury, son Michael Chase of Maine; seven grandchildren: David's son
Ched Chase and wife Stephanie; Pamela's two sons Karl and Matthew Scott; Michael's two
children Shelley and Jeffrey Chase, Patricia's two son's Charles and William Pilette; a brother
Albert Chase of Pensacola, Fla.; nieces and nephews.
Visiting hours will be held at the Sayles Funeral Home this Tuesday, April 16, from 6-8 p.m.
Funeral services will be held in East St. Johnsbury village this Wednesday, April 17, at 2 p.m. at
the Third Congregational Church. The pastor, the Rev. Ann Hockridge, will officiate.
Committal services with military honors will be held in May at Grove Cemetery in East St. Johnsbury.
Contributions made in Ralph's memory and payable to "Third Congregational Church," may be
sent care of Carol Austin Brisson, P.O. Box 77, East St. Johnsbury VT 05838.
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