CLAREMONT, NH –Herbert F. Chase, 100, passed away at Woodlawn Nursing Home on August 19, 2024 after a period of failing health.
He was born on June 26, 1924, to Herbert L. and Lena (Moore) Chase.
Herbert graduated from Stevens High School and enlisted in the US Army Air Force during World War II. He was assigned to the 487th Bomb Group on a B17 as the radio operator. On his 17th mission, his plane was shot down over Germany and he was wounded in the plane by flak from antiaircraft fire. He was captured after parachuting and taken to a POW camp. Several months later, he was liberated by General Patten’s Army. He was given an honorable discharge and was awarded a Purple Heart.
He returned to Claremont and married Gisele M. Pepin in 1945.
They lived in Fairlee, VT for a brief period, where he worked for the B & M Railroad. Herbert returned to Claremont, where he purchased a furniture moving business in Bellows Fall, VT and began a fifty plus year career, known as Chase the Mover and incorporated as Chase Trucking Inc. His business moved families all over New England, New York and Pennsylvania.
Herbert and Gisele had six children, who in their adult lives all worked in the business at one time or another.
Herbert was predeceased by his wife, Gisele on June 29, 2012, after sixty-seven years of marriage.
Herbert is survived by his children, Michael (Susan), David (Sandy), Peter (Patty), Alan (Susan), Ann Woodburn (Dave), and Jeffrey (Karen). Grandchildren, mike, Tim, Tom, Becky, Corey, Raquel, Sarah, Ben, Melissa, Amanda and Dave Jr.; sixteen great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
Visiting hours will be held at Stringer Funeral Home, 146 Broad Street in Claremont on Monday, August 26th from 9:30AM to 10:30AM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St Mary Church in Claremont at 11AM. Burial will follow in St Mary Cemetery. Arrangements are with Stringer Funeral Homes and Crematorium, 146 Broad Street, Claremont, NH 03743. To view an online memorial or send a private message of condolence, visit www.stringerfh.com.
