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Paul Chasse Obituary
Born July 11, 1926, the son of Noel and Annie (Curran) Chasse, he was educated at St. Martin Academy. He received his BA from UNH and his Master's and Ph.D. from Laval University.
He began his teaching career in Somersworth, then Pittsfield, Charlton, Mass., UNH and Birmingham Southern College. Under the Fulbright grant, he taught at Prea Reach Sampear College in Cambodia and was the first Fulbright scholar to serve three consecutive years in the same country, which took two acts of Congress for each renewal. He was officially classified as the American Cultural Affairs Officer for Kampot Province.
After 32 years as a professor in the language department at Rhode Island College, where he introduced a graduate program in Franco-American Ethnic Heritage Studies, he retired as Professor Emeritus. He was appointed the state's first Secretary of Culture in Governor Noel's cabinet.
Poet, author, historian, journalist, world traveler, genealogist and lecturer he was awarded Quebec's Prix Champlain and was named Chevalier and Officier de l'Orde des Palmes Academiques by France. In 2002, he received by Royal Decree the award of Commander of the Royal Order of the Monisaraphon by King Norodom Sihanook of Cambodia. Many other awards are too numerous to mention.
Lovingly involved in the church he was fortunate to include many nuns, priests, bishops and cardinals as personal friends and to have an audience with Pope John Paul II. He will be dearly missed.
Paul was predeceased by a brother Adrien, who died in 2003. Survivors include a sister, Pauline Chasse Rodier of Englewood Fla.; and several nieces and nephews.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10 a.m. April 21 at St. Martin Church followed by burial in Mt. Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Charles Children's Home, 19 Grant St., Rochester, NH 03867.
Online guest book: Visit the online guest book at www.fosters.com/obits
Memories and Condolences
for Paul Chasse
9 Entries
Eileen Faulkner
April 19, 2008
Dr. Chassé (Monsieur Chassé, as I called him) was my French professor many years ago at UNH, my advisor and supervisor of my student teaching experience. He was also a student and good friend of my late ex-husband, James Faulkner. Though I had not seen him since my days at UNH, we corresponded every Christmas. I feel a deep loss with his passing. He was a vibrant teacher, a dear friend and a warm and caring human being. I offer my condolences to you during this difficult time, and I will remember my dear former professor in my prayers.
Frère Paul Demers, s.c.
April 15, 2008
Que son âme et celles de tous les fidèles trépassès reposent en paix par la miséricorde de Dieu.
A se revoir à la Résurrection de la chair.
Mes sympathies à toi, Pauline, et à tous ceux que Paul a aimè si chèrement.
Requiescat in pace!
Tina (Chasse) Goulet
April 14, 2008
Pauline,
My deepest sympathy to you and your family. Paul was such an incredible person. I had the pleasure of visiting him a few times over the past couple of years with my Dad, Ray Chasse. When our conversations turned to the subject of foreign languages, I mentioned to Paul how my 17-year old son loved learning many languages, particularly French. That was all Paul had to hear! He wanted to meet Michael right away. The following week, my Dad, Michael and I spent the afternoon on Lily Pond with Paul, who both entertained and educated us with the remarkable stories of his travels. He generously gave Michael several books from his library, and the two continued to correspond in French. Paul was thrilled to receive a post card from Michael while he was in France last summer. I know that Paul has both inspired and left a lasting impression on Michael, as is the case with anyone blessed enough to have known him. He will be deeply missed.
Again, my deepest sympathy to your family, and God Bless.
Jeanne Ferland
April 14, 2008
Pauline, I'm so sorry for your loss.Paul was a dear friend.My prayers are with you and the family.
Jeanne (Cantin) Ferland
Mary (Curran) Donnelly
April 14, 2008
Pauline, so sorry to hear of cousin Paul's passing. We had kept in touch through the years, Christmas and other times. Last time I saw him was my husband's funeral Sept. 2000. Paul was accomplished man.
Alexander Asch
April 14, 2008
It was a pleasure to know Paul. His zest for life and adventurous spirit should be an example to us all of hour to wisely enjoy the limited time we're given to experince life . He will be missed.
Raymond Larochelle
April 13, 2008
Our most sincere condolences on the passing of your brother Paul. I was priviledged to know him. Our prayers are with you thru this ordeal. I believe history will show that Paul was one of the most educated and foreign country dedicated personality to have called Somersworth home.
Mariette Dupuis
April 13, 2008
Pauline and Denise,
Sincere condolences for the loss of Paul and wishing you Godspeed during this difficult time.
Mariette (Laliberte), and Richmond Dupuis.
Roger Couture
April 13, 2008
Pauline so sorry to hear about Paul my dearest friend , he always was there to comfort me when my brother passed away and when I lost my wife now it is time for him to go with the master and enjoy eternal rest
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