Francis F. Chase

Francis Fessenden Chase Jr. age 96 died suddenly at South Shore Hospital on Thursday October 22, 2020. He was born in Boston MA, son of the late Francis F and Julia (Hall) Chase. He was the devoted husband of the late Elizabeth (Betsy) Wyman Chase for 65 years. Also survived by two sons Allan Bradford Chase of Rockland Ma, his wife Marie and their three sons, Justin of Rockland MA, Matthew of South Boston, MA, Daniel and his wife Bella Chase of Monroe, CT. His son Francis F Chase III, his predeceased wife Susan Chase, granddaughter Jennifer Chase and two great granddaughters from Beverly MA, his grandson Joshua and his wife Megan Chase of Florida. He was the brother of Allan H Chase and his surviving wife Judy of Norwell. Also surviving are many nieces and nephews. He was raised and educated in Melrose MA. Francis graduated Proctor Academy in Andover, NH in 1942. After graduating high school he went on to attend and graduated from the United States Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point New York. He enlisted in the US Merchant Marines and served in in the North Atlantic during World War II. After the war, Francis returned home and worked for the family business, Chase Parker hardware in Chelsea MA for 27 years. He served as treasurer and co-owner with his brother Allan H Chase. He married the love of his life Elizabeth (Betsy) Wyman and raised two children in Norwell for 27 years. While living in Norwell he enjoyed his family time, volunteered as a Boy Scout leader and loved playing tennis, enjoyed skiing, and playing ice hockey with his boys. Francis and Betsy sailed many times to the US and British Virgin Islands, with friends. After moving to Cape Cod in 1978, he worked for the Mellon estate as a grounds keeper. He drove for the Cape Cod Red Cross for 10 years, and the Barnstable Senior Center for many years. He also served the historical society of Barnstable as treasurer. He volunteered at the local food program. Francis belonged to the Satuit Masons Lodge and the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts. He joined the Cape Cod Ski Club in Hyannis MA and also skied into his late 70's. He loved sailing, clamming, and walking with his dogs. After retiring from the Mellon estates, Francis and his beloved Betsy took several trips throughout Europe enjoying the museums, diverse cultures and richness of history. Francis and his wife Betsy purchased a home in Stewart Florida in 2005 and enjoyed snow birding for 5 years before moving there permanently in 2010. They returned back to Massachusetts in January 2013 due to his Betsy's illness. At that time Francis moved to Rockland MA to reside with his son Allan (Brad) and family. He enjoyed his time living with his son, daughter-in-law and their children. Francis loved to eat and lucky for him, Marie loved to cook. He took many long walks with Brad and Marie at the park, and during the winter months he rode the stationary bike. He enjoyed spending time with his grandsons, loved to go for rides in the car visiting his old homestead in Norwell. The family welcomes friends and loved ones to celebrate his life on Saturday November 14th at the Mcgoun-Biggins Funeral Home 135 Union Street Rockland, MA from 9:00am to 11:00 am. A prayer service with full military honors will take place at Lothrop Hill Cemetery, route 6A Barnstable, MA. In lieu of flowers, you may make a donation in his name to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation 2361 Highland Blvd, Staten Island, NY 10306 or the Folds of Honor Foundation Department #13 Tulsa, OK 74182