NORWICH – Stewart (Stew) Chase, born on June 13, 1927 in New Berlin, passed away peacefully at age 85 in his home in Norwich on Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2012.
Stew is most remembered for his great sense of humor which never wavered even in his final days. He was always quick to crack a joke or pull a prank to make someone smile; his quick wit was a source of laughter for his family and friends for many years.
Stew was selfless and gave much of himself to his country and community. He served in the U.S. Navy and was a longtime member of 18 years of the Norwich City Parks Commission. His enthusiasm for his city’s history and heritage made him the source of knowledge for many city questions. In addition, he was solely responsible for the Christmas lights in downtown Norwich for numerous years, so much so that he was dubbed “Mr. Christmas” for his outstanding lighting efforts.
Stew worked at GLA for 30 years as an electrician before he retired. He worked and volunteered at many places and delivered flowers for Maiurano’s. He was a tremendous athlete, playing semi-professional baseball, local softball, horseshoes, and bowling for over 60 years until this Spring.
Stew is survived by his wife of 64 years, Carla Chase (Norwich); his two daughters and their husbands, Jerrilynn & Alan Ingraham (Norwich), Kitty & Leonard McGann (Bedford, VA); his five grandchildren Christopher Ingraham (Marietta, GA), Jason Ingraham (Wilmington, NC), Kimberly Ingraham (Endicott, NY), Erin Davey (Buffalo, NY), Eric Vanderlaan (Lutz, Florida); and one great-grandchild Naomi Ingraham (Marietta, GA). He was predeceased by his sister Ruth and survived by his sisters Joan and Jeanette.
There will be no services held, please send regards or condolences to Carla Chase at 24 Summit Street, Norwich.