RUMFORD – Emmanuel J. Chaisson of Mexico passed away peacefully on Friday, Feb. 13, after a long illness, with his loving family at his side.

He was born in Rumford on May 20, 1927, the son of Damas and Alice (Richard) Chaisson and attended Saint Theresa’s School and Mexico schools.

During World War II, he served in the Merchant Marines and also as a medic in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Manny, (as he preferred to be called) married Olive “Lilly” Dupuis on April 24, 1950. She predeceased him on July 7, 1979. He was remarried in May 1988 to Jacqueline Theriault, who passed away on July 10, 1992.

Manny was employed by Boise Cascade Paper Group in Rumford for 46 years.

He was an active hunter for many years, and enjoyed many outdoor activities with his children and friends. His woodworking and carpentry skills were exceptional. He was always willing to build and repair furniture for relatives and friends, or to assist in building homes, garages, and barns, but would never accept payment for his labor.

He was a member of the Rumford VFW, and greatly enjoyed spending time in the lounge with other members and guests. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus.

Until the time of his passing he was an active gardener, which became the annual pleasure of numerous neighbors, relatives and friends. He loved exchanging stories with his children and friends, and loved to laugh.

Surviving are his four children, Roger J. Chaisson and wife Catherine of Saco, Therese M. Prue and husband Gregory of Rumford, Anne M. Breau and husband Leonard of Rumford, and Richard J. Chaisson and wife Karen of Buxton; stepchildren, David Theriault and wife Luanne of Dayton, Steve Theriault and wife Irene of Melbourne, Fla., Sue King and husband Jerome of Tuscon, Ariz., Joann Theriault of Crestone, Colo., John Theriault and wife Grace of Laconia, N.H., and Diane Harris and husband David of Clifton Park, N.Y.; two sisters, Anita Litalien and husband George of Peru, and Pauline Gourde and husband Leo of Rumford; a brother, Albert Chaisson and wife Janice of Rumford; and eight grandchildren, Marc Chaisson, Laura Chaisson, Olivia Chaisson, Brianna Chaisson, Christopher Prue, Amanda Prue, Tanya Grigsby, and Jeremy Breau.

He was predeceased by his parents; his first wife, Olivia (Dupuis), and his second wife, Jacqueline (Theriault); brothers, John, Phil, Eddie, Willie and Albion Chaisson; and two sisters, Loretta Arsenault and Beatrice Daigle.