CHASE ROLAND H. CHASE Peacefully, at their home in Columbia with his wife by his side, Roland Hamilton Chase departed this life February 24, 2018 at the age of 90 years, 2 weeks shy of his 91st birthday. He was born March 10 1927 in Clintwood, Virginia in an upstairs bedroom of the house now home to the Ralph Stanley Museum. Survivors include his wife of 61 years, Betty Calmes Chase, devoted family, son, Matthew D. Chase and his wife, Cecilia, loving grandsons, Ian and Jason, daughter-in-law, Jeanne Durkin-Chase, grandchildren, William (Lauren), Katie, Brent and Alec, and great-grandchild, Scarlett. Roland was predeceased by his oldest and dearly missed son, Mark Townley Chase. Roland was a proud McKinley High Golden Techite (class of 1947), 1952 graduate of the University of Maryland, College Park and then studied with Johns Hopkins University. Known as troop cook "Momma Chase" for the Boys Scout camping trips, board member of his church in his earlier years, Life Member of Mount Hermon Lodge #179, he was received as Master of the Royal Secret of the 32 Degree of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite in 1975 and was a member of the Goddard Retirees and Alumni Association. Roland served his country as a Captain in the U.S. Air Force as a Physicist. His civilian career was spent with General Electric, Westinghouse, and finally retirement from NASA where he completed his career as an Aerospace Engineer. Roland is credited with multiple inventions during his professional career, and well known as the idea guy to his loving family. In his retirement, Roland and Betty enjoyed travels. He was the fun Granddad that taught his grandchildren how to build something from a bunch of wires and parts in the garage, and his grandchildren taught him how to play video games. Family and friends could count on Roland to act with honor, and to offer his support in times of need. He was a shoulder to cry on, a man to laugh with, a man who endured the loss of a son with strength to be admired. Roland had a sense of humor and was fun to be around. He was admired by many for the devotion and care he provided for his dear wife to his final day. Final viewing was private. Family and friends may gather for the Committal service with Military Honors, March 22, 2018, beginning promptly at 10 a.m. at the Baltimore National Cemetery, 5501 Frederick Avenue, Baltimore, Maryland. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Roland Chase are requested to share their fond memories of him as they are priceless.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Dad,
Five years now.
I don't have to say what all has gone on. You know all that already.
Just wanted to know if I'm doing the right things for everybody.
You're evr lovin son. Always.
Matthew
Matthew
February 26, 2023
I was very sorry to hear that Roland passed. My deepest sympathies go to Betty, Matt and Cecilia and Roland's grandchildren. To me he will always be remembered as the fun loving eternal optimist. It was like a party every time he would visit our house. His bubbly personality would brighten any day. As the last of the 3 children in that family his absence will leave a big void in this world. God bless his soul.
Jim Priovolos
March 22, 2018
Oh, Roland, my dear. I've known you for 70 years!! You first became my friend when I started dating Bill Leonard, your best friend. You two went to McKinley Tech and Maryland University together. Did ROTC and then became captains in the Air Force. You were Best Man at Bill's and my wedding and then two years later became my daughter Suzanne's God Father. I guess you are upstairs playing chess with Bill now. You were always such a loyal and honorable man. I love you both with all my heart.
Gaila Kalandros
Gaila Kalandros
March 16, 2018
To my dear EVRLVNFIL,
You had a childhood illness that left you weak, but you overcame and grew into a strong man, loving husband and wonderful father. You served your country proudly, became a well-educated man, and was a positive example for your sons. You enjoyed traveling when your sons were young and continued to travel with them as adults. As much as we joked about it, we loved WDW and the AutoTrain. Thank you for being a pillar of support for Mark and me during his illness and his passing. I know you are happy to be with Mark again and that brings us all comfort. Thank you for your love, kindness, generosity and support you gave to me. Your quick wit, bad typing and particular' Manhattan drink order always made me smile. You will be missed. Take care of Mark until we meet again.
Love, Jeanne
Jeanne Durkin-Chase
March 4, 2018
Cecilia Chase
March 4, 2018
You were a great friend, Bill
March 4, 2018
Cecilia Chase
March 4, 2018
Cecilia Chase
March 4, 2018
Cecilia Chase
March 4, 2018
Cecilia Chase
March 4, 2018
My EvrLvnD,
I wanted to let you know that I are Fine and I miss you terribly. And how impressed and proud I am of the boy they didn't think would walk or even stand or grow up to be the great man you became.
You showed us all the beauties of this world and how to appreciate the great things in it. You allowed Mark and I to grow with independence. You let us find success on our own and always showing pride in our accomplishments. You equally permitted us to fail without giving judgment, only giving guidance on how to learn from all experiences.
Everyone you met and knew, fondly remembers and misses you for all reasons good. All the people we speak to share memories of you that I often didn't know, and each one warms our hearts.
You took care of us all, especially Mom, all the way through. You showed kindness, generosity and consideration to countless, and never showed hesitation with doing every bit more. I hope I have been able to do the same. God keep me so.
Say Hi to dear Mark. I'm sure you're already working on the next big thing. Don't let him give you grief about the beard like I did.
Enjoy the view, the sunset and the fireworks from the Concierge Lounge of Disney's Contemporary hereafter. You loved it so. Manhattan with Rye in hand, of course. Neat! NO ICE!
Your EvrLvnS,
Matthew
Matthew Chase
March 4, 2018
To my dear EVRLVNFIL,
Thank you for helping Sharon in our time of panic and her time of need. She probably shoved Mark out of the way to hug you first. Thank you for the shoulder to cry on when I needed my Dad's. Thank you for all the wonderful things I have heard about you from people who know you. You've made me roll my eyes and look up to the sky many times, but all was made better when you laughed because you were teasing. We understood each other and I am proud to be called your daughter. I thank you for being you, and for raising Matthew with your values. Thank you for looking after Mom. We know it was hard but you never stopped. We see the signs that you still are. We've got your suspenders and your eye glass. We will take care of them for you.
Love,
Cecilia
Cecilia Chase
March 4, 2018
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