Robert W. Chaffee

Robert W. Chaffee, son of Mildred O'Heare and Frank Wesley Chaffee, left this world on Sunday, July 6th surrounded by his loving family. Born in St. Albans, VT on June 4th 1929, he attended St. Albans schools, graduating at the top of his class from BFA in 1947. Always a serious student, his intention to continue onto college was thwarted by the sudden death of his father, his senior year. Ever resourceful, Bob alternated working at the St. Albans Railroad and attending U.V.M, finally able to finish the last year thanks to ROTC, graduating in 1953. After serving two years in the Air Force, stationed in Fairbanks, Alaska, and two years teaching Air Force dependents in Chateauroux, France and Wiesbaden, Germany, Bob began a long and distinguished career teaching mathematics in VT schools, 29 years at So. Burlington High School.
In 1961, while teaching at Poultney High School, he met and married the Latin teacher, Mary Ann Mooney. Together they forged both a family, and professional life, serving their respective disciplines in myriad ways. Bob obtained his Masters Degree in Mathematics from Stanford University in 1963, co-founded the Vermont Council of Teachers of Mathematics (VCTM), and served as Executive Director of the Vermont State Mathematics Coalition. Bob also served as the Vermont Director to the National Education Association (NEA) for many years. In addition to his devotion to education, he served his Essex Jct. community as Justice of the Peace and Treasurer of the Essex Democratic Party. Bob loved traveling the world and spending summers at their cottage in Brewster, Cape Cod. He also enjoyed many rounds of bridge and many games of pool in his later years.
In 2018, Bob and Mary Ann moved to the Wake Robin Continuing Care Community where they have lived joyfully since. Bob is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, Mary Ann, his much-loved children, Maureen Chaffee and Mark Chaffee, his daughter-in-law Lori Hayes and his cherished granddaughter Emma Hayes Chaffee.
Bob has asked that any donations in his name be made to the Vermont Youth Orchestra https://www.vyo.org/