24 Feb 1932 – 18 August 2022
It is with profound sadness that the family of Charlie Chase, Jr. announces his passing after a lengthy battle with cancer.
Charlie is survived by his loving wife, Elaine, his sons, Charlie, Steve, Mike and Jim and daughter Helen; grandchildren, Lyndsey, Heather, Josh and James; step grandchildren, Christina, Janelle, David and Alex as well as a number of nieces and nephews from his brothers Larry and Art. Charlie’s first wife, Charlotte, the mother of his children, passed away in 2008 after 53 years of marriage.
Charlie’s strong Catholic faith and belief in family were key elements in how he approached life and his work. Always a strong supporter of the church, Charlie was an usher and head usher for over 40 years at Holy Apostles Church in Colorado Springs. Charlie and Elaine met through their faith and participation at Holy Apostles. Elaine was a great joy and steadfast partner for the last 13 years. A highlight of their lives together were the trips they made to Europe, doing river cruises on the Danube, Rhine and Seine.
Charlie was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY. He served 23 years in the Air Force, starting as a radio, then radar operator flying in C-121 Super Connie as part of the Distant Early Warning Line system. Charlie and family were stationed all over the US with a stint in Germany. Isolated tours in Labrador and Vietnam were part of Charlie’s globe spanning work in radar operations for the US Air Force. He retired as a Senior Master Sergeant. Charlie then started a very successful career in Life Insurance primarily with Farmers, retiring in 2009.
One of Charlie’s great loves was fishing in Canada, especially in the Churchill River area. He made over 40 trips including his last one at 80. He relished being accompanied by his sons, especially Mike. A strong competitor and sports enthusiast, Charlie’s competitive bowling and softball while in the service shifted to senior olympics softball in civilian life. Charlie played in national tournaments into his 80’s and had huge fun with his teammates.
The funeral service will be held at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 6455 Brook Park Dr, Colorado Springs, CO 80918 on Sept 8 with Rosary at 9 am, Mass at 10 am and Reception at 11 am.
Steve Young
29 Aug 2022The Buckley SFB military Retiree Activities Office (RAO) would like to offer our sincere condolences and our gratitude for SMSgt Chase’s 23 years service to our country in the Air Force. If you would like help with any matters related to casualty assistance, Defense Finance & Accounting Service, Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP), Veterans Affairs (VA), etc. you can contact our office on Buckley SFB at 720-847-6693 or raobuckley@gmail.com. The RAO is staffed by volunteers, all military retirees themselves, and our sole purpose is to provide assistance to any military retirees and surviving spouses/family members with anything related to their military service and/or benefits, in particular during difficult times such as this. We are deeply sorry for your loss.
Steve Young
Lt Col, USAF, Ret
Director, Buckley SFB RAO
Don & June Eveland
1 Sep 2022Our prayers are with the family as we mourn the loss of Charlie. We always looked forward to seeing him at mass on Sundays. He always asked about our girls and kept them in his prayers. He sense of humor and positive attitude was inspiring, especially when he was going through surgeries and treatments. He was like a little boy, full of excitement when he told us that he and Elaine were getting married. Our lives are richer for having known him. We love and miss you Charlie. Our prayers are with his family and Elaine.