Russell M. Chase
1919 – 2009

WINTHROP — The Rev. Russell M. Chase, 90, of Winthrop, died Monday, July 27, in Winthrop. 

He was born in Waterville, June 26, 1919, the son of Charles and Leafy (Mitchell) Chase. He attended school in Waterville and enlisted in the U.S. Army in January 1942. He served in the Third Armored Division under General Patton. The Rev. Chase met his wife, Elizabeth Estes shortly after returning from the war. They were married Dec. 19, 1948.

He was employed at Hollinsworth and Whitney in Winslow, where he also served as a volunteer fireman. At this time, he was a deacon at the Pleasant Street United Methodist Church in Waterville. Later, he attended Boston University of Theology. His first year in the ministry, he served as interim pastor in Madison, then was pastor and served in Fairfield and Waterville. He went on to pastor in Wilton, North Jay, Strong, Kingfield, Monmouth, North Monmouth and East Monmouth, where he served for 12 years. Upon retiring, he and Elizabeth moved to their home on China Lake. After retirement, he again served as pastor of the East Vassalboro United Methodist Church until 1998, when he retired again. One of his most beloved verses was Micah 6:8.

He and his wife, Elizabeth moved to Winthrop in 2002 to be closer to family.

He is survived by a son, Mark Russell Chase and his wife, Deborah of North Carolina; a sister, Christine Pooler of Gorham; his grandchildren, Stephanie Frandsen of Monmouth, Brian Chase and his fiancée, Josie Flaherty of Winthrop, Aaron Chase of Winthrop, Gabriel Chase of Waterville, Mark Russell, J. Adam Mitchell and Deborah Elizabeth Chase, all of North Carolina; and five great-grandchildren, Stephen Cole and Bradley Arsenault, Crystal Frandsen and Sasha and Seth Flaherty.

He was predeceased by his parents; his beloved wife, Elizabeth in 2006;
two brothers, Lawrence and Arnold; and his sister, Elsie.

His family would like to thank the staff at Heritage Rehabilitation Center for the care he received.