CONNEAUT — Richard E. “Dick” Chase, age 91, beloved husband and father, passed away peacefully Saturday, March 16, 2013, at the Ashtabula County Nursing and Rehab Center with his wife and son at his side.
Dick was born March 10, 1922, in Conneaut, Ohio, and lived in Conneaut his entire life. He graduated from Conneaut High School in 1940 at the top of his class. He was offered a scholarship to Case Institute of Technology, but coming out of the depression, he was not able to attend.
On April 27, 1946, Dick married the love of his life, Anne Perkoski, and their marriage endured for almost 67 years.
Dick began his working career at the Burke Machine Tool and after a short time, began a machinist apprentice program at the Nickel Plate Railroad. During his service at the Nickel Plate, Dick also served as the local representative of the International Association of Machinists. In the late 50’s the railroad decided that Conneaut would service the obsolete steam engine fleet and the new diesel locomotives would be supported at other points on the railroad. Dick campaigned and won election to the position of General Chairman for the IAM and supported the employees at multiple railroads throughout the Midwest and Northeast. Dick served the members of the IAM for 25 years, with distinction, handling contracts and work rules at the local and federal level. Dick also worked to support the International Guiding Eye, a foundation of the IAM to raise and train guide dogs for the blind.
Throughout his life, Dick was an avid reader and enjoyed many hobbies and sports teams, especially the 1948 Indians. Dick was a fan of the big bands and jazz artists of the day. Dick was an avid photographer and developed and printed his own black and white photos. As a gun collector and target shooter, Dick was a life member of the NRA, the Amboy Rifle Club and served as president of the Amboy Rifle Club. Dick was an active golfer and served on the board of the Conneaut Country Club and later as president of the Conneaut Country Club. Boating and fishing trips to Canada with family and friends were part of his life.
During his retirement, Dick enjoyed many trips with his wife Anne and with family and friends.
Dick was preceded in death by his father, Arthur Chase and mother, Wave (Oates) Chase; grandmother, Madge Oates; and aunts, Alice (Oates) Wolf, Jean Chase and Elsie Donnelly.
Dick is survived by his beloved wife, Anne; and son, Rick; niece, Carolyn Penza of Florida; and extended family, Ted and Willa Hummer, their children and grandchildren; and numerous cousins.
The Chase family wants to extend its most sincere gratitude to the nurses and aides at the Ashtabula County Nursing and Nursing and Rehab Center for the compassionate and thoughtful care he received. Also we want to thank the Hospice of the Western Reserve for their support during a difficult time.
Funeral Services will be 11:30 a.m., Tuesday, March 19th, at MARCY FUNERAL HOME, 208 Liberty St., Conneaut, Ohio, with the Rev. Philip Miller, of St. Mary/St. Frances Cabrini Parish, officiating. Burial will be in St. Joseph Cemetery.
Friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m., Monday, at the Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, the family request that donations be made to St. Mary/St Frances Cabrini Church or to the East Conneaut Firefighters Association. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
Obituary and condolences at www.marcyfuneralhome.com and starbeacon.com.
