OWLS HEAD – Joseph W. Chasse Sr., 62, died Thursday, Aug. 2, 2012, at his home after a courageous two year struggle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis – ALS. Born July 15, 1950, in Waterville, he was the son of Dr. Richard L. and Margaret Arnold Chasse.
Joe attended parochial schools in Waterville and was a 1969 graduate of Waterville High School. He later earned an associates degree in business administration from Thomas College, Waterville. In the-mid 1970s, Joe moved to Rockland, where he worked with Ladd-Holmes-Swift Food Services. He purchased that business and formed a new company, Rockland Wholesale. In 1997, it transitioned into Rockland Food Service, and four years ago, under Joe’s leadership, moved to its present expanded location of 195 Park St. At an early age, Joe developed a love of the water, motoring aboard his family’s boat. He spent the past 20 years restoring several wooden boats, with his greatest passion being his 37′ Egg Harbor, ARJOURN. Joe could often be found cruising the waters of Penobscot Bay. He served many years on City of Rockland Harbor Committee, advocating and working towards the transition of Rockland’s harbor to a point of destination. He was also a past member of Rockland Rotary Club. Joe was a generous, committed, hard working man who would do anything for anyone in need. He loved entertaining, and could find no end of reasons to host a party.
In addition to his parents, Joe was predeceased by a brother, Robin Chasse. He is survived by his wife, Jill B. Perry; son, Joseph W. ‘Joey’ Chasse II and wife, Noelle, of Charlottesville, Va.; two daughters, Amy L. Chasse of Pembroke, N.H., and Meghan L. Chasse-Perry of Owls Head; stepson, Ian C. Perry of Lompoc, Calif.; one sister, Margaret Anne Hallee and husband, Neal, of Topsham; three brothers and their wives, Richard L. Chasse II and Lori of Arizona, Dr. William R. Chasse and Patricia of Waterville, and Dr. Thomas A. Chasse and Nancy of Manchester; six grandchildren, Liam, Samantha, Chance, Quinn, Payton and Piper; as well as many nieces and nephews.
An informal celebration of Joe’s life will be held noon-6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 11, at the Chasse home, 29 Lowell Ledge Lane, Owls Head, overlooking Joe’s beloved Rockland Harbor. Family arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hut-chins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock St., Rockland. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to ALS Association at http://www.alsa.org/donate/ To share a memory or story with Joe’s family, please visit his online Book of Memories at www.bchfh.com.
Joseph W. Chasse Sr.
