Charles Hughes Chase passed away peacefully on March 7, 2025, at the age of 98. He was born in Rochester, New York on August 16, 1926, to Charles H. and Ethel Hughes Chase.
He graduated from Brockport Central School in 1943 and the State University of New York at Brockport in 1947. His commitment to education led him to pursue graduate studies at Cornell University, Pennsylvania State University, and Columbia University Teachers College, where he earned his Doctor of Education degree in 1967.
Charlie was a dedicated educator who impacted students and colleagues alike. For thirty-six years Charlie was employed by the Corning-Painted Post Area School District, serving as teacher at Northside High School, teacher/principal at South Corning Elementary School, principal of Severn, Beaver Valley and Phillips Elementary Schools, and Assistant Superintendent for Instruction, retiring in 1983.
Following his retirement, he enjoyed opportunities to work for the Institute for Human Services, the former Community Foundation of the Greater Corning Area (now The Community Foundation of the Elmira-Corning Area), and Watson Homestead Conference and Retreat Center.
He had served as a director of the former Corning Savings and Loan Association and Columbia Banking Saving and Loan Association from 1969 to 1992. His volunteer involvement extended to the United Way, the Corning Salvation Army Advisory Board, the North Central Conference of the United Methodist Church, the Corning Museum of Glass, and the Memorial Society of the Greater Corning Area. He was a member of the Corning Painted Post Lodge of Masons #168 and held active membership in the South Corning United Methodist Church.
He is survived by his daughter, Deborah (Brian) Moore of Lincoln, Nebraska; and his son, C. Scott (Mary Ann) Chase of Nashville, Tennessee; grandchildren Justin Moore, Parker (Lisa) Moore, and Delia Chase; great-grandsons Silas, Asher, Abram, Lincoln, and Forest Charles Moore.
He is predeceased by his wife of 73 years, Lois; his parents, Charles H. and Ethel Hughes Chase; and his great-granddaughter, Lucy Rae Moore.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held in Corning, New York at a date to be determined.
Donations may be made to the South Corning United Methodist Church or Salvation Army Corning Corps. https://easternusa.salvationarmy.org/empire/corning/
http://www.southcorningumc.org/index.html
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For 6 years Charlie and Lois were my neighbors at Chatelaine Residences in Lincoln. Charlie had quite a wit and was a true gentleman. He was a friend and so gracious. He is greatly missed. I know he and Lois are united in Heaven. My sincere sympathy to the family.
– Margrett Wehlnd
Charlie Chase was 31 years old in September 1957, when the newly constructed Kent Phillips Elementary School opened. He was the new Principal & I was in sixth grade. He was a great Principal and much beloved by the students. When I married my high school sweetheart in 1967, I discovered that he and Lois were good friends of my wife’s parents. Charlie was a true gentleman.
– Jim Wells
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