Obituary of Thomas F. Chase

When you hear 92 years old, you might form a certain picture, but unless the picture is of a vibrant, intellectually curious, kind, gentle, forward-thinking man, the picture would be wrong. Tom gave of himself by volunteering for thirty years at Friendly Senior Living where he shared his musical gift. Tom played the piano honoring requests and creating programs with themes like the 4^th of July, Black History Month, and Women Composers. Every Thursday he played at the cocktail hour, entertaining guests with popular music. Tom was a uniquely talented individual as well as a gentle soul. He was self-sufficient, well read, independent, and interested in the stories told to him by the people he met every day. He had a great interest in the genealogy of his family and enjoyed researching questions posed to him by others about their own families. Anyone who met him would walk away thinking “Wow, I hope I’m like that when I’m 92!” To lose his life in such a senseless way is a tragedy.

Tom grew up in Hornell, NY, graduating from Saint Ann’s School and Hornell High School. After high school, he attended the Eastman School of Music, graduating in 1954. Following graduation, he spent two years in the US Army where he played clarinet in the army band while stationed in France. After he was honorably discharged in 1956, Tom returned to his studies, obtaining a master’s degree in music from Boston University in 1958. He continued his studies at the University of Indiana. From there he accepted a teaching position at Stafford College in Danville Virginia, where he became chairman of the music department. From Virginia he moved to Arkadelphia, Arkansas to teach at Henderson State University. He taught there for many years, becoming chairman of the music department before retiring in 1997. Tom moved back to New York and settled in Fairport.

Tom began volunteering at Friendly Senior Living where his sister Alice was a resident, having suffered partial paralysis and a brain injury from a bicycle accident, and he devoted his time to caring for her. He played piano for Alice and the residents, and after she died in 2011, Tom continued to play, taking great pleasure in sharing his vast musical knowledge with his audience of residents, their families, and staff members. Tom loved preparing his programs and would often preview them for his family, choosing many interesting and beautiful pieces from his extensive collection of music. His neighbors at Brickstone often told him how much they enjoyed listening to the beautiful sounds that wafted through the air when he played.

Tom was predeceased by his parents Charles and Alice A. Chase of Pittsford NY, his sister Alice, and his brother Charles R. Chase of Penfield NY. He is survived by his niece Ann Chase and her husband Robert Katz of Pittsford NY, his nephew Charles R. Chase and his wife Lisa Mcdougall of Amherst NY, and his niece Karen Chase and her husband Stephen Garrow of Seattle WA.

As noted, Tom was quiet and gentle, yet specific about how he wished to be remembered. He did not want any fuss, and preferred that any donations made in his memory go to the charity of your choice.

All services will be private.