Thomas Charles Chase's Obituary
It is will deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Thomas Charles Chase, of North Andover, Massachusetts, on April 29th, 2026. Tom died peacefully in his sleep, leaving a legacy of kindness and generosity; a love of gardening, woodworking, and nature; excellence in his legal career; and a deep love of family and close friends.
Born in Kittery, Maine, in 1943, to Lester and Geraldine [Foster] Chase, Tom spent his childhood gardening, raising prize-winning chickens in a 4-H club, and playing baseball, which he continued in high school and through college. Tom graduated from Bowdoin College in 1965 and from Harvard Law School in 1968, launching a long and successful career in corporate law. Tom worked at several major firms in Boston through his career and he developed long-standing relationships with several important clients who appreciated his integrity, keen intellect, and sense of humor.
Kittery is also where Tom met the girl who would eventually become his wife of 52 years, Paula Reddy. Classmates since kindergarten, Tom and Paula began dating in high school and what started as a teenage romance grew into a lifelong partnership filled with shared dreams, milestones, and a life they built side-by-side.
As a teenager, Tom worked as a golf caddy at a course in York, Maine. Although he didn’t start playing golf until he was 35, it didn’t take long for the sport to become one of his favorite pastimes. Tom also enjoyed following professional golf and baseball, rarely missing a Red Sox game and always ready to talk about recent plays, players, or trades.
In addition to his love of sports, Tom had a passion for music and played several instruments, including the clarinet and the saxophone. He also loved movies, especially comedies, with two of his favorites being 1941 and Animal House. In his later years, Tom became an avid reader and racked up thousands of titles on his Kindle.
Tom was a devoted husband, the best father and grandfather anyone could ask for, and a loyal and dependable friend to many. He is survived by his daughter, Emily Chase Coleman, and her husband, Jeremy; his son, John Chase; his three grandchildren, Juliet, Sephie, and Jack; his sister, Sara Hufnagle; and many nieces and nephews. Tom was predeceased by his parents, his wife, Paula, and his sister, Susan McKeil.
Tom’s generosity, quick wit, humility, and unflappable nature will be deeply missed and remembered with love by his family and friends.
Although no services will be held immediately, his family is planning a celebration of life to take place at a later date.
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