Richard W. Chanfrau
1927 - 2012
Richard W. Chanfrau
1927 - 2012
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Richard Chanfrau Obituary
Richard (Dick) William Chanfrau died on October 4, 2012, surrounded by his wife of 59 years, Rita (nee Reid) and his children: Donald of Boston, Robert of Midlothian, VA, Karen O'Leary of Kingston, MA and Steven of Lakewood, WA. Another daughter, Jean-Marie, died in 1958 at a young age.
Born July 4, 1927, Dick grew up in his beloved neighborhood of the Bronx, New York, where he attended Saint Nicholas of Tolentine. He was the third child of Philip and Winifred Chanfrau, whose other children, Philip, Winifred and Kathryn predeceased him. He was the school's point guard as a freshman for the Tolentine Wildcats varsity basketball team. Before graduation, he entered the Navy and served during World War II. At the end of his service, he finished high school and briefly attended Manhattan College on the GI Bill before withdrawing to provide for his mother and siblings.
After his marriage to Rita, he held accounting and account management positions in New York City during the course of 40-plus years before he retired in 1992. In 1996, he and his wife moved to Brewster, where he was active in golf, racquetball and church activities.
In addition to his wife and children, Dick was a devoted grandfather to Caroline and Conor O'Leary of Kingston, MA, Ginger and Holly Chanfrau of Lakewood, WA and a much loved father-in-law to Marybeth of Boston, Pam of Midlothian, VA, Michael O'Leary of Kingston, MA and Erin of Lakewood, WA. He leaves many nieces, nephews and friends, some of whom he has known since grammar school.
His wife, children and grandchildren were a constant source of joy and pride for him. He will be missed for his good nature, his sense of humor and his kindness. He will be remembered by family and friends for the jokes and stories he told, the poems he recited, the songs he sang, his love of life and his deep faith.
Family and friends are invited to Nickerson Funeral Home on Eldredge Parkway in Orleans from 2 to 5 p.m. on Sunday. A funeral mass will be held at Our Lady of the Cape on Stony Brook Road in Brewster at 11 a.m. on Monday.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be sent to Saint Vincent de Paul and that he be remembered in prayers.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Michael Sherman
March 25, 2013
Dear Rita and family,
So sorry to hear about Dick's passing. He was my boss at Prudential Building Maintenance (later ISS) at 1430 Broadway. I just happened to look him up today, and saw that he passed. A wonderful man and a better boss. My condolences.
October 11, 2012
Dear Don and Mary Beth,
Missy and I send our sincere regrets at not being able to attend either service as we were away. Please accept our condolences on the recent passing of your father. Our best wishes to you, your mother and family during this difficult time.
Vernon, Missy, Katie, and all your friends at the Fish House.
October 7, 2012
So sorry to hear of Dick's passing. He was one of the classiest, funniest, and kindest men I've ever met. My deepest condolences to your entire family for your loss.
Regards,
Chris Knoblock
October 7, 2012
Dear Rita and family,
Our thoughts and prayers go to you and your family on the loss of your wonderful husband and father. We are summer residents at the Cape and seeing Dick and chatting with him on Court Way will always be one of our fondest memories. He had such a way with him and always a twinkle in his eye. His sense of humor was a gift that he shared with all of us. I know that his loss is a tragedy to you all, but somewhere in eternity, he is telling a great story for all within earshot. God bless you all in this very sad time of loss
Sincerely,
Bob and Joanne Lasbury
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October 6, 2012
Dear Rita & Family: Billy & I were so sorry to hear of Dick's passing. We sure have had quite a few laughs with Dick. Billy especially loved the chats they had together solving the world problems. Dick was a special man who brought joy to so many people. Your both in our Prayers. Take Care. Bill & Kathy McDonnell
Jim Knoblock
October 6, 2012
Whenever I think of Dick Chanfrau, I immediately smile. I first knew him when I was a young teenager as good friends with his son Bob. His genuine warmth and great sense of humor would shine through everytime I came over to the house. As I grew through the college years, Dick treated me like a member of the family, quick with a joke or one-liner. One Father's Day, Bob & I took Dick and my father to the satelite telecast of the Tyson/Spinks fight. The fight lasted 73 seconds, thanks to an unstoppable Mike Tyson. Dick was laughing hysterically saying to my dad, "Joe, these poor college guys have no money and spent their entire wad on us for 73 seconds of fun!" Later in my life, I commuted with Dick to work in NY City. Our talks on the bus from Route 17 to Port Authority are something I will always remember. One morning on the bus, he told me that he got up early and went to the HS track to jog. This particular morning he felt great, practically sprinting the last quarter mile. As he slowed to finish his workout, feeling like he could run with the best athletes in the world, Dick glanced to his right and saw his shadow alluminated by the morning sun against a steep hill. The image revealed a middle-aged body with a well earned pot belly. He couldn't help but start laughing out loud, all by himself at the track. And we laughed out loud on the bus at that story and many like it. I will miss Dick very much but I am sure his presence shines through every one of his children and grandchildren, and that is a great gift to us all. God bless you, Dick. Keep smiling.
Jed & Laurie Weiner
October 6, 2012
May the memories that you recall with special gratitude inspire you daily. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
The Staff of Nickerson Funeral Home
October 5, 2012
We wish to extend our deepest sympathies at this difficult time.
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