Malcolm Chase

1937 - 2026

Malcolm Wadsworth Chase, Jr.-known to nearly everyone simply as Mal except his family as Sonny-was a brilliant scientist, devoted family man, gifted musician, enthusiastic coach, relentless puzzle-solver, and master of the perfectly timed humorous aside. He passed away on January 16, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of curiosity, kindness, laughter, and love.
Born on June 17, 1937, in Waltham, Massachusetts, Mal was the youngest of three children born to Malcolm and Audrey (Bissett) Chase, following sisters Barbara (Chase) Coleman and Dorothy (Chase) Holmes. He grew up in Belmont, Massachusetts, with summers spent in Chatham-continuing a deep family connection to Cape Cod, even as the first generation not born there. Those Cape summers, and his lifelong love of family history, would remain close to his heart.
Mal's intellect was unmistakable. A graduate of MIT, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry in 1959, later completing a Master's degree in Physical Chemistry at the University of Vermont and a PhD from Florida State University. Though his credentials were formidable, Mal wore his brilliance lightly. He had a way of moving seamlessly from a serious discussion to a mischievous smile-often punctuated by a clever bit of trivia, a historical fact, or a perfectly timed joke.
It was at the University of Vermont that Mal met the love of his life, Patricia Durlandt Wood, in a moment that felt destined: Mal was playing the organ at the Ira Allen Chapel, Pat was singing in the choir, and harmony followed. They married in 1963 and began a life together that spanned decades, states, careers, churches, ice rinks, softball fields, and choir lofts.
Mal spent 18 years at Dow Chemical in Midland, Michigan, where his work in research-particularly on the JANAF tables-took him around the world. His travels included multiple trips to the Soviet Union during the Cold War as part of a scientific exchange, an experience that matched his love of history and global curiosity. At home, he was just as dedicated: coaching his children in ice hockey, baseball, soccer, and softball, playing basketball and softball himself (first base and pitcher). He loved sports not for glory, but for the people.
In 1986, Mal joined the National Bureau of Standards (now NIST) in Gaithersburg, Maryland, where he spent 13 years conducting research and leading teams. Outside the lab, he was deeply involved in the Gaithersburg Presbyterian Church, serving as building manager and making lasting family memories-especially playing co-ed softball alongside his children.
After retiring in 1999, Mal and Pat moved to Middlebury, Vermont, where his second "career" of service truly flourished. He drove the bus for Project Independence and volunteered tirelessly at the Congregational Church of Middlebury where he held nearly every role imaginable -Trustee, Deacon, historian, choir member, handbell conductor, guest organist, Men's Lunch Bunch convener, and more. If something needed doing, Mal quietly stepped in.
And yet, for all his accomplishments, Mal will be remembered most for who he was in everyday moments. He loved M&Ms, Ice Cream, Playing Cards, and a good puzzle. He had a great smile, a contagious laugh, and a gift for making everyone feel like family-whether you had known him for years or just minutes. His love for his children and grandchildren was unmistakable and unconditional.
Mal is survived by his beloved wife, Pat; his children, Matt (Alycia), Cathy, and Tim (Carrie); his grandchildren, Hope, Lauren, Chloe, and Dillon; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and "honorary" grandchildren who were lucky enough to be claimed by his warmth.
A celebration of Mal's life will be held at the Congregational Church of Middlebury on Saturday, January 31, at 11:00 a.m. A graveside service will take place later this summer in Chatham, Massachusetts. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Congregational Church of Middlebury, Vermont.
The family would like to thank the church community, Addison County Home Health & Hospice and Heather Blair & her team of caregivers for their support over the last number of months.
Mal lived with curiosity, generosity, and joy-and he leaves behind a world made better by his presence.