Robert L. Chaffee, 78, of 263 South Main Street, passed away on Sunday, June 12, 2016 at Jones Memorial Hospital with his family at his side. He was born October 30, 1937 in Olean, the son of the late DeForest and Rose Anne (Jones) Chaffee. On June 21, 1958 in Olean he Married Lorraine Lindamer who survives.
Bob was raised in Portville and was a 1955 graduate of Portville High School. He graduated from Alfred State College in 1957. He received a bachelor’s degree from Alfred University in 1975 and became a licensed Professional Engineer. He was employed at Clark Brothers in Olean from 1957 to 1964 and C. E. Air Preheater Company in Wellsville from 1974 to 1979. In 1979 he founded Chaffee Engineering and operated his company until 1989, when he accepted the position of Director of Public Works for the Village of Wellsville. He retired in 2003. He was a member of the Immaculate Conception Church and a life member of the Emerald Hook and Ladder Company # 3. He was the founder of the Wellsville Whittlers Club, a member of the Southwestern Carving Club and was a member of the Allegany Artisans from its inception. He was a member of the Village of Wellsville Planning Board, the Zoning Review Board and was instrumental in the Village of Wellsville receiving the Tree City USA designation. He was a former Little League and Babe Ruth Baseball coach.
Surviving in addition to his wife are five children, Jolene (George) Cretekos of Farmington, Mark (Bonnie) Chaffee of Ferrisburgh, VT, Steve Chaffee of Wellsville, Ann Davidson of Mendon, and Michael (Tammy) Chaffee of Wellsville, a daughter-in-law, Shelley Chaffee, 11 grandchildren, James Cretekos, Terry Cretekos, Kelsey Chaffee, Ashley (Adam) Harriger, Laura Chaffee, Jordan Davidson, Madison Davidson, Jack Davidson, Dakota Chaffee, Mikala Chaffee and Noah Chaffee, one great granddaughter, Amelia Harriger, four step grandchildren, Mandy York, Hilary (Senesac) Becker, Hayden Senesac and Harrison Senesac, a brother, Donald (Linda) Chaffee of Newington, CT, a sister, Janet (Jerry) Emerson of Rew, PA, as well as several nieces & nephews. He was predeceased by a brother, William Chaffee.
Friends are invited to visit with the family on Wednesday, June 15, 2016 from 5:00 to 8:00 pm at the J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home Inc. in Wellsville. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, June 16th at 11:00 am in the Immaculate Conception Church in Wellsville. Burial will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery. Please consider memorial donations to the Hart Comfort House. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.