Russell Chase
BARRE- Russell B. Chase,96, of Barre, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family members. Russell was a devoted family man, always happiest when surrounded by those he loved. His legacy of service, kindness and unwavering devotion to family will live on through the generations he left behind. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew him.
Russell was born on October 8, 1928 in San Bonita, Texas, the son of Clarence and Ruth Chase of Barre. He was predeceased by his loving wife, Joan and his sister Ruth Anita Towle. He is survived by his three children: son Charles and his partner, Pam DeGregorio of New Salem; daughter Eileen Bassett of Barre and son John and his wife Cathy of Barre; many grandchildren; great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.
He graduated from Northfield Mount Hermon Prep School, where he was an outstanding cross country and track runner. He went on to study Dairy Management at the University of New Hampshire. While in college he continued his running track and cross-country pursuits. He qualified for the IC4A regionals meet at Van Cortlandt Park, located in New York City for each of his four years while a student at UNH. He was also president of his college fraternity, Alpha Gamma Rho.
Following college, he served in the US Army medical corps during the Korean War in the 9th Infantry Division. While serving in the medical Corp he assisted in Influenza medical research. Russell was awarded the certificate of achievement in recognition of his ability to solve a technical problem of importance to the medical service. He showed his ingenuity and originality in promoting efficiency by utilizing his knowledge from dairy farming and laboratory science to help solve a problem in sterilizing medical equipment. He also ran many road-type races for the army. Following his service with the army, he and his wife, Joan would start their family dairy farm located in Barre. There they started with a herd of seven dairy cows which would later grow to a herd of over one hundred milk cows. Later they would expand to include produce and greenhouse operations. He enjoyed working in the farming community and mentoring many workers through the years.
He had many interests outside of the farm. Interest included serving on committees for Agri Mark, Agway, and on the county committee for the Worcester County Farm Bureau. He also served on the USDA Farm Services County Committee, where he would go on to serve the agency’s state committee during the Clinton Administration. He also served as President on the Board of Directors of Hardwick Farmers’ Cooperative Exchange. Russell also had a keen interest in local affairs and was a long-time member of the Barre Fire Department. He was always interested in track and cross-country running. He took great pride in his running experiences by mentoring young runners as a coach of the Quabbin Regional Middle School and cross country team. He enjoyed giving back to the community and encouraging others to strive toward their dreams and aspirations.
Calling hours for Russell will be held on Thursday, July 24,2025 from 4-6PM in Pillsbury Funeral Home 96 S.Barre Rd Barre. The funeral will be held on Friday,July 25,2025 at 11:00AM in the funeral home. Burial with full military honors will follow in Glen Valley Cemetery in Barre. In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorial donations be made to the East Quabbin Land Trust,mailing address: PO Box 5, Hardwick MA 01037 or web site: https://eqlt.org/