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Brian Chaffee Obituary
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Brian was a musical person. In his youth he enjoyed performing in choirs and as a drummer in local bands. He was a faithful member of the Grand Lodge of Vermont for over 50 years following in the footsteps of his Father and Uncle. Brian was a 33rd degree Mason, the highest degree a Mason can achieve. He enjoyed performing in Scottish Rite and was an active member of his lodge. Brian was a people person and enjoyed so many wonderful years owning the Cracker Barrel in Essex, VT. He always treated people with respect no matter the circumstances. Above all, Brian was a family man who never missed a sporting event or concert for his two sons. He sacrificed so much to be engaged in his boy's lives. Later in life Brian and Shirley began to travel to their favorite spot in Maine as well as visiting their children's families in Connecticut and North Carolina. Brian's infectious smile will be missed, however, we know he left a massive impact on so many lives in the community he loved.
Brian is survived by his loving wife of 53 years Shirley Chaffee. His two sons Brad Chaffee and wife Melinda of Connecticut, Bryce Chaffee and wife Tracie, their daughter Emerson Chaffee and son Gavin Soles all of North Carolina. His sister Rebecca Ainsworth and husband Winston of Jeffersonville, several nieces and nephews and his extended loving family of in-laws.
Visiting hours will be held on Tuesday, July 9, 2024 from 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. at A W Rich Funeral Home - Essex Chapel. A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, July 10, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. in the family lot in Resurrection Park Cemetery with Reverend Charles Ranges S.S.E. officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to the Vermont Food Bank, 33 Parker St., Barre, VT 05641 or online at vtfoodbank.org. Please visit awrfh.com to read Brian's full obituary and share your memories.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
5 Entries
T M Bulley
December 17, 2024
My husband worked with Brian through the years in the Advance Auto company. Whenever I would run into him, he was always humming or singing something. Even if I didn´t know what he was singing I was glad to see his big smile. It´s one that will be missed. -Ty,Michelle Bulley
Tammy King
September 24, 2024
I live a mile east on rt#15 from what used to be the Cracker Barrel Where Brian owned and I also worked there for him. Brian greeted everyone who entered his establishment. You could talk to him about anything and he would listen to you. I had just found out about his passing. I send my condolences to Shirley and the boys . May GOD Strengthen your life as you go on and know that Brian is in His care.
Tammy King - Essex
Elliot Spear
July 23, 2024
Brian I’ll be deeply Missed. Always enjoyed my conversations with him. He was a fantastic person. Elliot Spear.
John Hernandez
July 12, 2024
I only met Brian a couple of times. I worked with Shirley for many years. What a great person!
Brian had an exact orange winter jacket like mine and when he saw that I was wearing it, he said "great minds work alike."
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John Mitchell
July 6, 2024
My first memory of Brian was a memorable one for me. My son Jeff was 15 and was very board one summer, he got on his bike and went to the Cracker Barrel. He had seen a help wanted sign and wanted to apply. After talking with Brian about the job he came back home , after waiting and hour he went back to see if Brian had decided. Brian was impressed and hired him. That was the best 5 or 6 years for him . The Chaffee´s were his second family. I believe both Brian and Shirley instilled some valuable work ethics in Jeff. I also enjoyed Brian´s performances in the different Scottish Rite degrees that he participated in. Such a good person and friend that will be greatly missed.
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57 Main Street, Essex Junction, VT 05452
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