VAN BUREN and ELLINGTON, Conn. – Zoel M. Chasse, 70, of Ellington, Conn., 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, Rev. Lucien Chasse, S.M., of Boston; Stella Chasse of Van Buren, Aurelien Chasse of Houlton, Leola Ouellette of Peabody, Mass., Rev. Joseph Chasse, S.M. of Van Buren, Therese Smith of Fayetteville, N.C., Jeannine Lynch of Norwood, Mass., Emilio Chasse of Syracuse, N.Y. and Susan Chasse of Norwood, Mass. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by four sisters, Juliette Plourde, Muriel Violette, Lourdes Chass? and Rose Zelpha Collins. Relatives and friends may call at the Ouellette-Thibault Funeral Home, 118 High St., Van Buren, from 5-7 p.m. Monday and 10 a.m. Tuesday until time of service. A funeral Mass will be celebrated 11 a.m. Tuesday at the St. Bruno-St. Remi Catholic Church. 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
