Richard D. “Dick” Chassé, 96, of Nashua, retired Deputy Fire Chief and longtime Nashua firefighter, passed away Sunday morning, December 13, 2020 after a brief illness.
A lifelong resident of this city, he was born on September 21, 1924, one of nine children of the late Jean Baptiste and Marie (Bourbeau) Chassé. Dick grew up in the French Hill neighborhood and attended the former St. Francis Xavier Parochial School and Nashua public schools. A Navy veteran, he served during World War II in the South Pacific aboard the USS Franklin from 1943 to 1946 and held the rank of Machinist’s Mate 2nd Class.
Dick joined the Nashua Fire Department in 1947 as a call man and was appointed to permanent status in April 1952. During his long career, he was promoted to Private, Lieutenant, Captain and Deputy Chief, retiring in 1983. Dick continued his career as a licensed plumber for many years.
He served on the Board of Fire Commissioners and also served in the New Hampshire Legislature for two years.
In his leisure time, Dick was an avid reader, especially of history and enjoyed the challenge of solving cross-word puzzles. He was a Boston Bruins and New York Yankees fan.
He was a member of Nashua Lodge 720, Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks for over 50 years and held membership in the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 483.
Dick was predeceased by his wife, Isabelle Mary (Desmarais) Chassé, who passed in June 1994; and his eight siblings, Romeo, Adelard, Philip, Paul and Robert Chassé, and Lucille Francoeur, Rita Chassé and Aurore Dionne.
Members of his family include his loving companion of 26 1/2 years, Mary Isabell (Stanley) Batchelder; five step-children, Irving Stanley and his wife Vashti, Henry Stanley and his wife Ashley, Robert Batchelder and his wife Betsy, Stephen Batchelder and his wife Josephine, and Stephanie Baker and her husband Jerome; twenty five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Theresa Chassé; brother-in-law, Edmond Dionne; also many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Due to the current pandemic, services will be private. Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE, 18 Lock Street, Nashua. www.farwellfuneralservice.com
