Robert Chase Ph.D.

Robert Silmon Chase, Ph.D., 87 of Lansdale, PA, formerly of Easton, PA, died March 30, 2018. Born June 9, 1930 in Glenside, PA, he was the son of the late Eleanor (Walter) and Robert S. Chase, Sr. A graduate of Westtown Friends School, he received his Bachelor's Degree in Biology from Haverford College. He later served on both school Boards and earned a Master's Degree from the University of Arkansas in Zoology and a Ph.D. in Biology from Bryn Mawr College. He was a Professor of Biology at Lafayette College, serving as Head of the Department of Biology, Dean of the College, Provost and Dean of the Faculty before retiring as the Charles A. Dana Professor of Biology. He was a licensed private pilot who built and flew his own plane and a ham-radio operator who received an Amateur Radio License, Extra Class. He also enjoyed birding, astronomy and shop work. He retired to Brittany Pointe Estates in Lansdale where he served as Treasurer, Vice-President and President of the Residents Association. He was an active member of BPE where his work ethic and many skills made multiple contributions. He and his wife Barbara received the Residents of the Year Award in 2017. He is survived by his wife Barbara (Yost) Stewart; 4 children: David Chase, Peter Chase (wife Debra Ashton-Chase) of Easton, Susan Nye (husband E. Darby Nye) of Arlington, VA, Jonathan Chase (wife Lori Chase) of Whitehall, PA; 2 step-sons: Dr. Russell Stewart (wife Dr. Anne Stewart) of Morgantown, WV, Douglas Stewart (wife Elizabeth Stewart) of Birdsboro, PA; 8 grandchildren; 3 step-grandchildren and 2 step-great-grandchildren. A Memorial Service will be held 2 p.m., April 14, at the Brittany Pointe Estates Auditorium, 1001 South Valley Forge Road, Lansdale, PA, with visitation from 1 to 2 p.m. The Ashton Funeral Home, Easton, PA, is handling arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to the Robert S. Chase Fund in Biology, Lafayette College, 705 Sullivan Road, Easton, PA 18042 or to the Brittany Pointe Estates Samaritan Fund, Brittany Pointe Estates, 1001 South Valley Forge Road, Lansdale, PA 19446. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.