Richard E. Chartier

About

American International College

Richard Chartier Obituary

Chartier, Richard E.

September 4, 1934 -

May 26, 2015

Richard Edmund Chartier, 80, died Tuesday, May 26, 2015, at the Sunnyside Gardens Assisted Living in Sunnyvale, Calif., following a 30 plus year battle with Parkinson's disease. He leaves behind his three sons, David (Toni), Mark (Gerardine), Matthew (Pamela); his daughter, Brooke as well as his grandchildren, Max, Mia, Zoe and Piper. He is also survived by his younger brother, Jason (Suzie). Born Sept. 4, 1934, in Providence, R.I,, to Zoel and Gertrude Chartier, Richard grew up in Springfield, Mass., with one younger brother, Jason Chartier. After graduating from American International College in Springfield, Mass., in 1956, he was accepted to and went on to attend Yale Divinity School and obtained a Master's Degree in Divinity.

On Aug. 1, 1959, Richard married Jane VanderMeer and started his career as a minister at a small congregation in Dover, Del. Shortly afterwards, he accepted a position as Reverend with the First Congregational United Church of Christ in Platteville, Wis., where he and Jane expanded their family with the birth of their three sons and adoption of their daughter. Richard later became a clinical member of the Institute for Transactional Analysis in 1970. The family moved to Green Bay, Wis., where he started his own practice as a Transactional Analyst. He eventually went on to become a successful business consultant working with various corporations across the country before retiring in 1995. In 1987, he moved to Belmont, Calif., where he resided for many years prior to his permanent stay at Sunnyside Gardens. While living in California he reconnected with his father and mother in Cupertino, Calif., visiting them often. Richard was fond of driving and owned a 1960's model Alfa Romeo convertible. He also enjoyed traveling, seeing movies and eating at restaurants, but reading and listening to Classical music were his fondest past times.

Richard will be cremated and a Memorial Service for the family will be determined at a later date.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Green Bay Press-Gazette from Jun. 12 to Jun. 14, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Richard Chartier

11 Entries

Patricia Knox

April 27, 2025

"Dick" Chartier. Remember when he bought a pool table for the basement of the Congregational Church? That´s where I learned to play. He knew how to get young folks coming to Congo Club. We lived a few houses away and I babysat for little David who must be in his 60´s now. They had a large print of Guernica in their dining room. This painting and explanation by Rev Chartier of Picasso´s work instilled in me an interest in artists and art history. I´ve had the pleasure of being an artist for many years now. I wish I had seen Rev Chartier again after we moved to South Dakota.

Barbara Bisbee

June 6, 2020

Remember a trip I took with Rev. Chartier and the Congo Club to Chicago to do some work in a black area. The Rev. was active in the civil rights movement, and insisted on bringing these issues home to Platteville, which then was almost all white. I also remember marching with him in 1968 after MLK's assassination. That was an eye opener for many in Platteville. The Rev. would be right in the thick of the current "Black Lives Matter" movement and the demonstrations after the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis. Will never forget him. Some of my friends from high school and I mention him from time to time. Richard J. Bisbee, Platteville, WI

Cathy Pecotte Klessig

May 28, 2016

Dear Chartier family,

I was confirmed under Rev. Chartier and what I learned from him was invaluable. I started at the Platteville United Church of Christ (First Congregational) at the age of seven when we moved to Platteville from Hurley Wisconsin. I continued working in the nursery, singing in the choir, and attending "Congo Club" until I graduated from high school. I am now married, living in a small town in Wisconsin and a member of their United Church of Christ. Oh how I miss Rev. Chartier. He helped me and he helped my family in so many ways.

My sympathy and warm wishes go out to his family.

Cathy Pecotte Klessig

Ron Harrell

April 21, 2016

Here is a photo taken April 21, 2016 of the memorial bricks recognizing Rev. Chartier's tenure at the Platteville church. May his memory last forever.

Mary Darrow

July 2, 2015

Dear Chartier Family,
I was saddened to hear of the passing of Richard. I have fond memories of him (and your family) during your time in Platteville. Richard was a force in our family that often surfaced as I was growing up. My father often quoted "I'm OK, You're OK" which was part of a sermon delivered by Richard. He certainly had a way of resonating with our lives in ways that were lasting and challenging. I'm sorry that the Darrows and Chartiers have lost touch with each other, but would love to hear from any of you.
With Love and sympathy,
Mary Darrow

1966 Confirmation Class

Rev James Pfefferkorn

June 20, 2015

Rev. Chartier positively influenced a whole generation of young people in Platteville - and not just members of his church. I ended up in ministry myself, and he was a chief inspiration for me.

I vividly remember seeing Mrs. Chartier sitting near the back of the sanctuary with very young children. I would love to be in touch with them now, either on Facebook (Jim Pfefferkorn) or email [email protected].

Photo is from my confirmation in 1966.

Here's Richard at our wedding in 1970.

Ron Harrell

June 19, 2015

Richard Chartier was the minister in Platteville during my teen and early 20s years, and he left an indelible impression on me in so many ways. His liberal thinking opened up a whole new world to me, and his various opinions on religion and politics made me do some serious thinking about topics not foremost in my mind at the time. I'll never forget him. He married Jody and me in 1970, and we visited him later when he and his family moved to Green Bay and lived on the shores of the Fox River. He also played on the church softball team I managed, holding down right field for us!
He was born on the same day as my dad, September 4. Thank you for everything, Richard. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all the family.

Amy Hague

June 18, 2015

Rev. Chartier was hugely important to my family in Platteville. I think he helped shape the characters and politics of many of us for the better. We young people (now in our 60s!)loved him. I never knew he was from Springfield, right down the highway from where I live now.

Richard Bisbee

June 18, 2015

Rest in peace Rev. Chartier. Remember you from "Congo Club" in Platteville during the mid to late sixties. Many in Platteville remember you fondly.

Cathy Pecotte Klessig

June 18, 2015

I wasconfirmed at the First Congregational Church in Platteville back in the 60's. Rev. Charier also helped my family with guidance and many decisions. I cherish my memories of Rev. Chartier and hold the family in my thoughts and prayers. RIP.

Matthew Chartier

June 13, 2015

RIP Dad.

Love,
Matthew, Pamela, Zoe & Piper

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