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Francis Chaisson Obituary
WORCESTER - Francis Xavier "Chet" Chaisson, 84, died Saturday, March 3, 2012 at the Beaumont Skilled Nursing Center in Westborough.
His wife of 60 years, Muriel D. (Halloran) Chaisson, died March 24, 2010. His son, Joseph Daniel Chaisson, died in 2008.
He leaves five daughters, Joanne Ethier of Paxton, Donna M. Eaton and her husband Clark D. Eaton of Oxford, Joyce A. Chaisson of Worcester, Margaret E. Kirk and her husband Kevin E. Kirk of Worcester, and Maureen G. Chaisson of Lake View, Ohio, two sons Francis X. Chaisson Jr. of Auburn and John F. Chaisson and his wife Lesley Chaisson of Charlton; 17 grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, two sisters, Florence Walsh and Marie Swift, both of Worcester, a brother, Gerald Chaisson of Oregon; and many nieces and nephews..
He was predeceased by a son-in-law John N. Ethier, four sisters, Eleanor Desmarais, Gertrude O'Leary, Ann Cellucci and Cecelia Lussier, and a brother, William Chaisson.
Chet was born in Worcester, son of Joseph and Cecelia (Callahan) Chaisson, and lived in Worcester all his life. He was a graduate of the former Sacred Heart Academy. He gave up the opportunity to attend Providence College on a basketball scholarship so that he could stay in Worcester to help his family and later enlist in the Navy for World War II. He was a member of the semi-pro basketball team Webster Surplus Center.
He served in the Navy aboard the destroyer escort USS Cates in the north sector of the Asian-Pacific Theater during World War II.
Chet devoted his working life of more than 50 years to the athletic program at Worcester Academy. Officially, he was the equipment manger and athletic fields supervisor, but he had a multitude of responsibilities and performed countless tasks to enrich the experience of student athletes at the academy. For many years, he also organized basketball leagues at the academy for many of the most talented basketball players in the region.
Chet was a member of the Worcester Academy Athletic Hall of Fame and the Worcester Boys Girls Club Hall of Fame. In 1995, he received the Key to the City from the Former Mayor Raymond Mariano. He was a longtime member of St. John's Parish and a passionate fan of University of Notre Dame football.
The Chaisson family wishes to thank the staffs of the Davenport and Fay Neighborhoods at the Beaumont Nursing Center for their skilled and compassionate care.
Calling hours are Tuesday, March 6 from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Athy Memorial Home, 111 Lancaster St., Worcester. The funeral will be Wednesday, March 7 from the funeral home with a Mass at 10:30 a.m. in St. John's Church, 40 Temple St., Worcester. Burial will be in St. John's Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. John's Parish, 44 Temple St., Worcester 01604 or the Worcester Boys Girls Club, 65 Tainter St., Worcester 01610.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Francis Chaisson
Howard & Janet Shainheit
March 9, 2012
March 9: We just heard that Chet had passed. As an ex teacher and coach, I remember Chet as always patient, always helpful, always a gentleman. To use a Yiddish expression, Chet was a mensch, a man in the best sense of the word.
March 8, 2012
Joanne, I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your father please know that I will keep you in my thoughts and prayer along with your family at this most difficult time. Carol Polselli, St. Leo School
Ed Burke
March 8, 2012
Fran,
I am so sorry to hear about your father. My prayers are with you and your family.
Ed
Christine King
March 8, 2012
I'm so sorry to hear of the loss of your dad.
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this difficult time.
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Darlene Haglund
March 6, 2012
To The Chaisson Family,
I was so deeply sadden to hear of your father's passing. He was a sweet man who loved his family and a great family who loved and cared for him. He will be greatly missed by anyone who knew him.
Now he can be with your beloved Mother, Joey and John.
Keep his memories alive and remember all the good times you shared with him and may they help you in your time of sorrow.
You are all in my thoughts and prayers and may your Dad rest in peace. God Bless you all. Much love sent your way.
Ron Parker
March 6, 2012
At Worcester Academy, many people touch the lives of the students; as teachers, as coaches, as advisors. Though Chet was not in the classroom or on the fields and courts, his influence was just as profound. For those whose second home was in the Daniels Gym, the education continued when you were in Chet's room. I will never forget the "lessons" in the old gym, after summer camp and on Thursday nights during the school year. You learned so much about basketball from Chet just by watching his approach to the game -ferocious is an apt word. Like John Ricciardi, he was a most genuine and humble man. As much as any teacher or coach I had while at the Academy, I will always remember him fondly and with great respect. We are all better people for having had Chet in our lives.
Patti Geddes
March 6, 2012
My dear friend Maureen and all of your family,
So sorry for your loss, since I lost my father recently I certainly know how you feel at this very difficult time. I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers. At a time like this it is a blessing to have a large family because their love and support are what you need more than anything! God bless you all.
Mike Stubljar
March 6, 2012
Dear Chaisson Family,
Your dad was a legend, one of the greatest and we will miss him dearly.
Mike, Becky, Emily and Mary Kate Stubljar
James kelley
March 5, 2012
To the Chaisson Family,
I'm sorry to hear about the passing of your dad. Remember all the good times you had and keep them close to your heart you will need these to get through this tough time. I will keep your family and friends in my prayers.
Annmarie Quinlivan
March 5, 2012
Dear Mrs. Ethier and Family,
So sorry to hear about the passing of your dad. We have been thinking of you and keeping you in our daily thoughts and prayers.
The Quinlivan Family
Dawn (Snell)Fleming
March 5, 2012
To the Chaisson family
Thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time. Your dad touched so many lives. He was a gentle giant ! May he rest in peace along with his angels who were there to greet him home. Dawn Fleming
March 5, 2012
Donna, Joyce and family: I am so sorry for your loss. You are all in my thoughts and prayers and when I went to church yesterday I requested a special prayer for you and your family. Luv, Dee
Tony Scola
March 5, 2012
To the Chaisson family, I can't tell you how much Chet meant to me as a young student athlete at WA. He was far more than an employee there. He was a kind voice and a caring heart for myself, my three brothers, four step-brothers and sisters in the seventies. When my son went there in the late 90's Chet was still there and as wonderful as ever. His work ethic and devotion to the fields was remarkable. WA had better fields and better kept facilities than many of the "richer" schools because of Chet's meticulous perfection. He was a true gentlemen and a person I was so glad to have know. When they speak of the "greatest generation", Chet would be at the head of the class. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Hugh O'Malley
March 5, 2012
My deepest condolences to Chet's family. Chet was a great man. For the students of Worcester Academy, he was a father confessor, master psychologist, and best friend. Chet had a profound positive influence upon thousands of young people. He was beloved... and he earned that every day with his sage advice, encouragement, and smile. Plus he had a great running hook shot which made me want to always be on his team. I will miss Chet, but will always be thankful for all he did for me.... and for so many more.
Chelsea Ericson
March 5, 2012
Donna,
My thoughts & prayers go out to you & your family.
Sheila Moynihan
March 5, 2012
I am sorry for your loss. Thinking of you.
March 5, 2012
Joanne and family,
Our deepest sympathy for your loss.
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Patty and Tony Genatossio
Carla Olson-Dupuis
March 5, 2012
My thoughts and prayers are with you in this time. To one of the greatest men that made Sunday mornings a tradition, he will be missed dearly!!!
Claire Partridge Earley
March 5, 2012
I am so sorry for your loss....
John Keyes
March 5, 2012
My deepest sympathy for your loss John and to your family
March 5, 2012
So sorry to hear of Chets passing he is in our prayers.
The LaCava Family
Anthony Petrone & Family
March 4, 2012
TO the Chaisson family,
May our Lord guide Fran into his heaven and unite him with Joe. And may they watch down over all of you during this difficult time. May he rest in peace.
Ann & Mike Bastien
March 4, 2012
What an amazing man!!!! I will always rememberDeath leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal. ~From a headstone in Ireland
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