Claude J. Chiasson

ATHOL – Claude J. Chiasson, 96, of Athol died Saturday, April 9, 2016 in Quabbin Valley Health Care, Athol. He was born on March 26, 1920, as the second son of the late Leon and Margaret (Chiasson) Chiasson in Island River, New Brunswick, Canada. He migrated with his parents to the United States in 1921 and has lived in Athol all his life. He attended Athol Schools and worked in many local factories in Athol, the last being the Union Twist Drill until its closing. He and his late brother Gerard were inducted in the Army on the same day during WWII. He served as a medic under Patton’s Army, going through North Africa, Italy, Southern France and Germany. Upon his discharge, he returned to Athol to work until his retirement. He loved to travel and made many visits to cousins in Canada over the years. He also liked deep sea fishing, particularly in his hand-crafted Canadian-made cedar fishing boat. He was friendly to all and loved to make others laugh. His biggest honor was serving as the Grand Marshall for the 2007 Memorial Day Parade in Athol. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his siblings: Gerard Chiasson, Ida Lozier and Geralda Frenette Duda. He leaves nephews: Gerard, Leon, Richard and Thomas Lozier; Glenn Frenette all of Athol, Paul Frenette of Windsor CT; niece Anne Lozier of Orange; many cousins locally as well as in Canada. He also leaves his former wife and caregiver Theva Chiasson of Athol. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, April 15, 2016 at 11am in the Our Lady Immaculate Church, 192 School St., Athol, MA. Burial with full military honors will follow in Gethsemane Cemetery, Fielding Way, Athol, MA Calling hours will be held Thursday, April 14, from 4pm-6pm and Friday, April 15, from 9:30am-10:30am in the Fiske-Murphy & Mack funeral home, 110 New Athol Rd., Orange, MA 01364. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Claude’s name may be made to the Chick Musante Disabled Veteran’s, P.O. Box 746, Athol, Ma 01331.