Craig C. Chase

1933 - 2016

Dr. Craig C. Chase

Slippery Rock, PA - Dr. Craig Carlton Chase, age 82, of Slippery Rock, PA passed away at his residence on Tuesday, February 2, 2016 following a short illness. The Chase's family traces their lineage to the Massachusetts Bay Colony as William and Mary Chase arrived in 1630 from Wivenoe, England. Craig was born in Poughkeepsie, NY on July 18, 1933 to Dr. Enos Earle Chase and Marion Ralston Chase. Dr. E. Earle Chase along with his brother Kenneth, both Tufts graduates, served as dentists in their local communities including serving Pine Plains, NY.

Craig married Judith Ann Strang on February 20, 1960. He received his B.A. from the State University of New York at Albany in 1956 and his M.A. from Colgate University in 1964. He received his PhD. From Southern Illinois University in 1969.

Dr. Chase was Professor Emeritus at Slippery Rock University. His career at Slippery Rock began in 1970 running through December of 1990 where he retired as Professor in Environmental Education. Dr. Chase began his teaching career as a high school science teacher working at Yorktown Central schools, later doing graduate work at Southern Illinois University and Marion Community S.D. He served as Science and Outdoor Education Coordinator at Yorktown Schools from 1968 - until 1970.

He was an Eagle Scout, a former member of the Slippery Rock Lions Club; and played in both Slippery Rock Golf and Bowling Leagues. He held a variety of membership and leadership positions in various professional associations. His work was published in a number of professional journals and he received several awards for his contributions to education.

Survivors include his wife Judith of Slippery Rock; son, Dr. Mark Earle Chase and wife Amanda Zychowski of New Wilmington; daughter, Jennifer Lynn Gierhart and husband Michael of State College, PA; sister-in-law, Marjorie Walberg Chase of Pine Planes, NY; five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; seven nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his son, Brett Todd Chase in 1992; brother, Clyde Ralston Chase, a former Pine Plains, NY Town Supervisor, County Representative and County Legislator; and sister, Barbara Chase Losee, graduate of Roosevelt Hospital having served as a RN in the Pine Plains area hospitals.

The family will gather for a private service at a later date and time. There will be no public services. Memorial Contributions may be given to the Slippery Rock Feed My Sheep Food Cupboard, 325 North Main St. Slippery Rock, PA 16057