Obituary of John R. Chase

John R. Chase, 92, of Peabody and formerly of Lynnfield, died Wednesday evening at the Kaplan family Hospice House in Danvers following a brief illness. He was the devoted husband of Miriam (Barr) Chase with whom he shared over 68 years of marriage. Born in East Boothbay, Maine, he was the son of the late John and Mary (Seavey) Chase. He was raised and educated in Maine, then later lived in Lynnfield and has spent the last 9 years living in Peabody. John was a veteran of WWII who served with the United States Army and was honorably discharged in 1946. He was the recipient of the American Campaign Medal and WWII Victory Medal. John was a talented master wood worker who was very creative in his carvings and his ability to build things. He loved sailing and built his own sail boat and would race it in local regattas. He also was a manager with the Salem Veterinary Clinic for over 15 years during the 1960’s and 1970’s. John loved skiing and at the age of 60 he became a ski instructor at Sugar Loaf Mountain and Wachusett Mountain as well. He also, with the help of his grandson Dean, started the ski club at Bishop Fenwick High School. John loved the outdoors and at young age he was a New England Sled Dog Champion. Besides his loving wife of 68 years, he is survived by two daughters and a son-in-law, Janet M. Fortunato of Beverly and Jacqueline and Dennis Drinkwater of Magnolia, four loving grandchildren, Coreen Fortunato of Boston, Tracey Ingle of Haverhill, Dean Drinkwater of Ipswich and Nicole Lewis of Ipswich and also by 10 great grandchildren. He was the brother of the late Elizabeth Fernald. His Funeral Service will be held on Monday at 11:00 AM at the Centre Congregational Church in Lynnfield to which relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend. Visiting hours will be held on Sunday from 4:00 until 7:00 PM at the Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home, 82 Lynn St., Peabody. Expressions of sympathy can be sent to the Kaplan Family Hospice House, 78 Liberty St, Danvers, MA 01923.