Richard Chaisson

Richard T. Chaisson
1941 – 2019
Richard T. Chaisson of East Longmeadow, Massachusetts, loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and son departed this world on August 26, 2019. He was born in Berlin, NH to his parents Edgar and Elizabeth (Gagnon) Chaisson. A proud veteran, Richard served in the Air National Guard and the U.S. Air Force beginning in 1961 and worked as a machine repairman conducting aircraft maintenance until his honorable discharge in 1964. Later, Richard worked as a Vice President at Community Savings Bank in Holyoke, MA and ultimately retired from banking with GMAC Mortgage Bank. He was an avid golfer, ultimate Mr. Fix-It and devout man of God. As a faithful communicant of the Evangelical Covenant Church in Springfield, he participated in bible study, choir and mission trips that took him far and wide, including missions to Guatemala, Honduras and other Central and South American countries. He enjoyed giving back to his community at home as well where he served in various roles for the Boy Scouts of America, to include Scout Master of Troop 275 in East Longmeadow, and as a board member of the Salvation Army. He often spent his free time outdoors or working on projects around the house but his favorite pastime was spending time with family, especially his three grandchildren. The world is less joyful for all those whose lives he touched. He will be deeply missed by his wife Elaine; his mother Elizabeth; his son Christopher and his wife Baharak; his grandchildren Arianna, Mana and Rostin; his brother Michael Chaisson and his wife Catherine; his sister Lorraine McKeever and her husband Joseph and many extended family and friends. Calling hours for Richard will be held Tuesday September 3, 2019 from 4:00 – 6:00pm in the Forastiere Smith Funeral Home, 220 North Main Street, East Longmeadow, MA. A funeral service will be held at 10:30am in the funeral home on Wednesday September 4, 2019 followed by burial with Military Honors at the Massachusetts Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery in Agawam MA. The family would like to sincerely thank the Harmony House of Western Massachusetts and its volunteers for the care, love and support they gave to Richard in his final days. In lieu of flowers, donations in Richard’s name may be made to Harmony House of Western Massachusetts, P.O. Box 6135, Holyoke, MA 01041 or via their website harmonyhousewma.org. To leave a message of personal condolence or for more information, please visit www.forastiere.com