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Philip Chaffee Obituary
Philip Thomas Chaffee, age 88, passed away at St. Joseph's Hospital in Elmira, NY on November 27, 2009. Phil was born on August 29, 1921 in Van Etten, NY to L.R. Chaffee and Bernice Shappee. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, retired Marine, and was loved and respected by all who knew him. Myra, his wife of 57 years, and their son, David, predeceased Phil. He is survived by Steven (Michelle) Chaffee of Van Etten, NY, Carolyn Hodges Chaffee, and Sue Chaffee of Spencer, NY; grandchildren, Christina (Lawrence) Pierce, David (Lindsey) Chaffee, Mike Chaffee, Lauren (C.J.) Downes and Brian Hodges, and Philip Van De Voorde; great-grandchildren, Lawrence, Mary, Joseph, and Christopher Pierce and Jackson Chaffee; and brother, Donald (Janice) Chaffee and nieces and nephews.
Upon graduating Cornell University in 1942, Phil enlisted in the US Marine Corps During WWII, he landed with the 2nd Bat. 8th Marines on Red Beach III and fought in the Battle at Tarawa. He was a recipient of the Silver Star Medal from World War II and received this most prestigious military honor awarded by the United States of America for his actions in Saipan on June 15, 1944. Phil was also the recipient of two Presidential Unit Citations and three Battle Stars. In 1945 he received orders to go home and was later promoted to Major while a member of Reserve Unit in Elmira, NY. In 1950, he and his wife Myra purchased the family farm where Phil eventually operated a large-scale poultry business until he retired at the age of 78. Over the years, Phil was a member of the Van Etten Spencer VFW Post 8139, the Van Etten Methodist Church, the F&A Masonic Lodge of Spencer, Farm Bureau and Kitchen Conference. He was also a member of national fraternity Tau Kappa Epsilon.
Calling hours will be held Tuesday, December 1, 2009 at the Van Etten Methodist Church from 3:00 - 6:00 p.m. Funeral services will immediately follow calling hours starting at 6:00 pm. Interment will be in Swartwood Cemetery in Van Etten. In lieu of flowers, donations in Phil's memory may be made to the Van Etten Spencer VFW, the Van Etten Methodist Church, or a charity of choice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Philip Chaffee
Gary Ptak
December 4, 2009
Steve and Family,
My condolences and prayers go out to your family. I am sorry for your loss.
Rob and Gary Ptak
Jim Jerome
December 4, 2009
What a great great American Phil was.We all owe Phil and his generation a huge debt of gratitude for their unselfish service to country.I pray there will be more like him.My deepest sympathies to the entire Chaffee family.
December 3, 2009
Our prayers are with his family today and always. Terry & Mary Hartsock (Millport, NY)
Wanetta Satomaa
December 2, 2009
When I heard of Phil's passing, I felt the sadness of loss. In reading his obituary, I learned about his strengths as a young man. In the stories I used to hear from my mom and aunts, I learned about him as a boy. In growing up with his children, I saw his calm at being a father. Together, him and Myra were always there for their children, just as their children have been there for them in their times of need. How proud they must be, and how happy to be together again.
Love always, Wanetta
Kathy & Doug Reasor
December 2, 2009
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
ron cundy
December 2, 2009
OUR COUNTRY IS IN MOURNING,
A SOLDIER DIED TODAY."
Sara Taylor
December 1, 2009
As a young child Phil was always bigger that life to me. Little did I know at that time that he really was bigger than life. Both he and Myra were a very bright spot in my childhood - as well as Steve, Cai and Suzy.
My heart is with the family,
Sara (Sally Campbell) Taylor, Alice and Mary Campbell
Jake, Ian and James Briggs
December 1, 2009
Please accept our deepest sympathies.
December 1, 2009
OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHYS TO THE CHAFFEE FAMILY AT THIS TIME OF SORROW...
MYRA AND GENE THOMAS
myra thomas
December 1, 2009
our deepest sympathys to the chaffee family at this time of sorrow..
myra and gene thomas
Rita MacDonald
November 30, 2009
Phil and Myra will be much missed at family gatherings and celebrations, but they will be missed together now, as I will always remember them. My deepest sympathies to Steve and Shelly, Sue, Carolyn, and all the grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Michele Rosenbaum
November 30, 2009
My deepest sympathy to all of you.
If I can do anything at all for you, please let me know.
My thought and prayers are with you during this time of sorrow.
Catholic Charities
November 30, 2009
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Love from the staff and Board.
Diana Doane
November 30, 2009
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Debbie McNeil
November 30, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Anne & Joe Frisbie
November 29, 2009
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Mary O'Connell
November 29, 2009
Phil Chaffee was a member of the Greatest Generation. Those who knew Phil would never guess that this was a man who was highly decorated in World War II and credited with saving the lives of many men. He returned from the war and started a business, a family and was a respected member of his community. I consider myself fortunate to have known Phil and to be a part of his extended family. My condolances to Steve, Sue and Carolyn.
shiela stahle ( Peet )
November 29, 2009
No bond is as great as that between a parent and child. My deepest condolences are with you as you grieve.
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