JOEL W. CHANDLER

JOEL W. CHANDLER - SHELBURNE - Joel Whitney Chandler, 87, of The Residence at Shelburne Bay, passed away Thursday, April 23, 2015, in the Vermont Respite House following a short illness. Joel was born in Plattsburgh, N.Y., Aug. 4, 1927, the son of Charles Orr and Emma (Dibble) Chandler, and grew up in the Canadian border town of Mooers, N.Y., near the Great Chazy River. Joel served in the U.S. Army, which included an assignment at the Pentagon. Professionally, he was a television and radio broadcaster, having attended broadcasting school in New York City. He was the original program host for the longtime running show, "Across the Fence," on WCAX-TV, Burlington (the longest-running locally-produced program in the country). He also hosted the "Vermont Daily Almanac" on Vermont ETV. His radio career included announcer and program and music director at several stations, including WEAV in Plattsburgh, WFDF in Flint, Mich., and WJOY and WCAX in Burlington. He was well known for programs such as "The Early Birds," "Clockwise with Chandler," "Melody Corner," and "The Joel Chandler Show." He was a true personality with charm and a strong, smooth voice. He also served as Public Relations Director at Baird Children's Center in Burlington. Joel married Shirley J. Eno at the First Congregational Church in downtown Burlington on a snowy day in January 1953. They had three children, raising them on Barrett Street in South Burlington, where he lived for 56 years. After Shirley's death in 2004, Joel found love again with his companion, Ruth M. Copp, with whom he happily spent the last eight years of his life. Joel is survived and will be greatly missed by his companion, Ruth M. Copp of Shelburne; his loving children, Lori and husband, Tim Benson, of Onset, Mass., Jamie Chandler of Key West, Fla., and Tracy Chandler French and husband, Mike French, of Essex; and sister, Jane C. Wilson of Rouses Point, N.Y. Also surviving are his grandchildren and extended family, Jordan Benson, Max Chandler, Josh and Jenn Benson, Jeremy Benson, Taylor French, Neally French, Cris and Emily French, Larry Copp and Pat Weaver, Linda Copp and Marc Cohen, Meg and David Provost, Jennifer and Lucas Henderson, Chris and Brandy Provost, Eric Provost, and several great-grandchildren. He was beloved by his niece and nephews, including Candy (Orr) Davidson of New Haven, and "the Petch boys" (Chan, Kip and Bill) and their families all living in Canada. Special cousins include Emily Sue Chandler of NYC, Suzanne and Michael Carey, and Barbara and Hal Posner of Atlanta, Ga. Joel will also be missed by many dear friends and neighbors. Special people in Joel's life who predeceased him include his parents; wife, Shirley; sister and brother-in-law, Katherine Ann and Charlie Petch; brother-in-law, Hale Wilson; and nephew, Bill Davidson. Joel was a true gentleman and was kind to the core. He was handsome, caring, gracious and had a wonderful sense of humor. To have known Joel was a gift to us all. Many heartfelt thanks to all at the Vermont Respite House and the UVM Medical Center for the compassionate care provided during his illness. There will be no calling hours. A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m., Thursday, April 30, 2015, in the chapel of Corbin & Palmer Funeral Home, 9 Pleasant St., Essex Junction. Following the service, a private family burial will take place in North Ferrisburgh. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Joel's name can be made to the Vermont Respite House, 99 Allen Brook Lane, Williston, VT 05495.