ZOEL M. CHASSE VAN BUREN and ELLINGTON, Conn. – Zoel M. Chasse, 70, died June 9, 2005, at a Brockton, Mass. hospital, following a valiant struggle with multiple myeloma. He was born April 7, 1935, in Van Buren, the son of Belonie and Marie (Desrosiers) Chasse. He graduated from Van Buren Boys High School and was a combat engineer in the U.S. Army. Following a tour in Korea and discharge from the Army, he attended the University of Maine where he earned a bachelor of science degree in physics engineering. Zoel went to work at Pratt and Whitney on fuel cells used in the Gemini and Apollo space programs that resulted in successful flights to the moon. Subsequently working in the jet engine division, he went on to become a Program Manager, designing major overhaul facilities for Pratt and Whitney engines worldwide. Zoel served as the “family goodwill ambassador” frequently visiting his brothers and sisters scattered around the country. He was voted “Best Uncle” many times by his many nephews and nieces who loved to hear his interesting stories and enjoyed his laughter at their funny jokes and experiences. He is survived by his siblings, the Rev. Lucien Chase, S.M., of Boston, Stella Chase of Van Buren, Aurelien Chase of Houlton, Leola Ouellette of Peabody, Mass., the Rev. Joseph Chase, S.M., of Van Buren, Therese Smith of Fayetteville, N.C., Jeannine Lynch of Norwood, Mass., Emilio Chase of Syracuse, N.Y. and Susan Chase of Norwood, Mass. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by four sisters, Juliette Plourde, Muriel Violette, Lourdes Chase and Rose Zelpha Collins. Relatives and friends may call 5-7 p.m. Monday at the Ouellette-Thibault Funeral Home, 118 High St., Van Buren, and 10 a.m. until time of service on Tuesday. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at the St. Bruno-St. Remi Catholic Church at 11 a.m. Tuesday. Committal service and interment will be in the parish cemetery. Those who wish may contribute in his memory to the Marist Fathers, 27 Isabella St., Boston, MA 02116.
ZOEL M. CHASSE
