Robert Silmon Chase, Ph.D., 87 of Lansdale, PA, formerly of Easton, PA, died Friday, March 30, 2018, at Lansdale-Abington Hospital. Born June 9, 1930 in Glenside, PA, he was the son of the late Eleanor (Walter) and Robert S. Chase, Sr. A graduate of Westtown Friends School, he received his Bachelor’s Degree in Biology from Haverford College. He later served on both school Boards and earned a Master’s Degree from the University of Arkansas in Zoology and a Ph.D. in Biology from Bryn Mawr College. He was a Professor of Biology at Lafayette College, serving as Head of the Department of Biology, Dean of the College, Provost and Dean of the Faculty before retiring as the Charles A. Dana Professor of Biology. He was a licensed private pilot who built and flew his own plane and a ham-radio operator who received an Amateur Radio License, Extra Class. He also enjoyed birding, astronomy and shop work. He retired to Brittany Pointe Estates, Lansdale, PA, in 2007 where he served as Treasurer, Vice-President and President of the Residents Association. He was a very active member of BPE where his work ethic and many skills made multiple contributions. He and his wife Barbara received the Residents of the Year Award in 2017.
He is survived by his wife Barbara (Yost) Stewart; 4 children: David Chase, Peter Chase (wife Debra Ashton-Chase) of Easton, Susan Chase Nye (husband E. Darby Nye) of Arlington, VA, Jonathan Chase (wife Lori Chase) of Whitehall, PA; 2 step-sons: Dr. Russell Stewart (wife Dr. Anne Stewart) of Morgantown, WV, Douglas Stewart (wife Elizabeth Stewart) of Birdsboro, PA; 8 grandchildren; 3 step-grandchildren and 2 step-great-grandchildren.
A Memorial Service will be held 2 p.m., April 14, in the Brittany Pointe Estates Auditorium, 1001 South Valley Forge Road, Lansdale, PA, with visitation from 1 to 2 p.m.; the Ashton Funeral Home in Easton, PA, is handling arrangements.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Robert S. Chase Fund in Biology, Lafayette College, 705 Sullivan Road, Easton, PA 18042 or to the Brittany Pointe Estates Samaritan Fund, Brittany Pointe Estates, 1001 South Valley Forge Road, Lansdale, PA 19446. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com
Nancy McCreary Waters
April 3, 2018 at 9:56 am
I am so very sorry to hear this sad news. Bob was respected,valued, and beloved by so many of us. I sought his advice and input on so many occasions, I can’t imagine him NOT being there! His was a character that stood in the face of expediency and convenience and sought a higher level of duty and honor. I am enriched for having known him and we are all the worse for losing him. My deepest condolences to Barbara, to his family and his many close friends. I pray that you will derive comfort from the memories you share of Bob–of his profound care, his acerbic wit, his keen insight into human nature, and his ready smile. On behalf of my husband John and I both, and with much love and admiration, Nancy McCreary Waters
Margarete Lamb-Faffelberger
April 3, 2018 at 3:14 pm
My deepest sympathies. I remember Bob as a kind and caring senior mentor when I first joined Lafayette College in 1992. A few years later, serving together on the Pew Roundtable. I was deeply impressed by his insights into the workings of Lafayette College and his vision for its future. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Ed and Marie Schwalm
April 5, 2018 at 10:47 am
Our sincere condolences to Barbara and the family during this sad time. We are sharing in your sorrow. A special person like Bob can never be forgotten. We were all lucky to have known him. Wishing you strength and peace.
Wayne Leibel
April 7, 2018 at 11:39 am
I was sad and surprised to learn of Bob’s passing. He was a colleague, friend and mentor in the Lafayette Biology Department for many of my own 35 years there. I was lucky and honored that he took me under his wing and no doubt my own success was in major part due to him. My thoughts and prayers are with Barbara and his family.
Sarah Tibbetts
April 8, 2018 at 7:31 pm
Condolences to the Chase family our former neighbors and friends from the Tibbetts family… May your father Rest In Peace
Guil Fisher
April 9, 2018 at 12:27 pm
Bob’s classmate at Westtown School. So sorry to hear of his passing and would like to send my love, respect and prayers to Bob and his family. I remember Bob being such a generous guy and never ending friend to all of us. God bless him.