WINFIELD LOWELL CHATTO

ROCKLAND – Winfield Lowell Chatto, passed away March 2, 2005, after a long battle with cancer just before his 87th birthday, leaving a long legacy of serving his country and his community. Winfield was born March 8, 1918, in Rockland, the son of Leroy and Ivy Chatto, and the first of four children. He graduated from Rockland High School as class president in 1935 and began working for the Rockland Post Office as a letter carrier soon afterwards. In September 1941, he married Virginia Irene Flint, also of Rockland. Winfield was drafted by the U.S. Army in 1943 and served in England and France in the 296th Army Postal Unit. After World War II, Winfield joined the National Guard, eventually becoming a 2nd Lieutenant in the 703rd Anti-Aircraft Battalion in Rockland. In 1950, he was activated into federal service as a platoon leader during the Korean War and returned to England. After the Korean War, he returned to Rockland where he became a battery commander and then transferred to the 240th Engineer Group. He served on a special assignment in the Pentagon in 1969, transferred to the Army Reserves and eventually retired in 1971 as a Lieutenant Colonel. After returning home from World War II, he returned to his position as a letter carrier in Rockland. He became friends with many of his postal “customers”, including a dog, Taffy, who followed him on rounds for several years. He logged many miles on foot and later in jeep until 1972 when he was appointed assistant postmaster in Rockland. He served in that capacity until 1978 when he retired after 42 years of service. He was active in many other activities as well. His church was always a significant part of his life. He was a lifelong member of the Pratt Memorial Methodist Church in Rockland and worked long on the Building Committee to have the location moved to the current site by Chickawaukie Lake, where it is now the Aldersgate Methodist Church. He also served on numerous other church boards and committees, and served as its Financial Secretary for over 20 years. He joined the Masons’ Aurora Lodge No. 50 in 1939, and served as its treasurer for 41 years, from 1955 to 1996. He also joined King Solomon’s Temple No. 8 in 1941 and served as its secretary for 26 years, from 1962 to 1988. He belonged to King Hiram’s Council No. 6 beginning in 1946 and was its Treasurer from 1971 to 1988. His other Masonic affiliations included Claremont Commandery, the Henry Knox Chapter Rose Croix (Scottish Rites), the Kora Temple, the Mid-Coast and Waldo County Shrine Clubs, the past Masters Association, patron of the Golden Rod Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star, and other related Masonic degrees and affiliations. He received the highest Masonic award when he became a 33rd Degree Mason in 1980 in recognition of all his Masonic accomplishments. Winfield was also active in other organizations. He joined the Rockland Rotary and served as its treasurer for 13 years, was a benefactor, a Paul Harris Fellow and became an honorary member in 2003. Winfield was also a member of the National Association of Retired Federal Employees. After his retirement from the Post Office, he and his wife, Virginia went on many cruises, including cruises to the Caribbean, the Panama Canal and Alaska. For a time, they shared their hobbies of woodworking and painting. His other hobbies included hunting, fishing, golf, and stamp and coin collecting. Winfield was a loving father and husband, who had a wonderful sense of humor his entire life. Winfield was predeceased by his wife, Virginia, who died in 2000. Winfield is survived by his daughter Caroline L. Barstow and her husband, David W. Barstow, of Houston, Texas and his son, Carl L. Chatto and his wife, Eleanor E. Chatto, of South Portland. He is also survived by three grandchildren, Christine Barstow, of Houston, Texas; Michael Barstow and his wife, Tracy, of Cypress, Texas; and Samuel Chatto of South Portland; and one great-grandchild, Marshall Barstow, of Cypress, Texas; a sister, June Hathaway of Boothbay Harbor; and two brothers, Kenneth Chatto of Lugoff, S.C. and Robert Chatto of Boulder, Colo., and several nieces and nephews. Visiting hours will be held from 1-3 p.m. and 7-9 p.m., Sunday, March 6, 2005, at Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock St., Rockland. The funeral service will be held 10:30 a.m. Monday, March 7, at Aldersgate Methodist Church, 156 Lakeview Drive, Rockland. In lieu of flowers, please send a donation to the Aldersgate United Methodist Church Building Fund, P.O. Box 511, Rockland, ME 04841.