EAST LONGMEADOW - Edric F. Chaffee 91, Ascended into the Journey of Evelasting Life, Friday (April 25th) from Mary Lyon Nursing Home. He leaves his beloved wife Lyola (Lamoureux) Chaffee, whom he married 70 years ago, on September 30, 1938; his devoted sons, Dennis Chaffee of East Longmeadow, Gary Clifford of Port Orchard, Washington, Douglas Chaffee of Marston Mills, Mass. In addition he leaves 8 cherished grandchildren, 13 treasured great grandchildren, and one special great-great grandchild. He served in the U.S. Navy Pacific Fleet aboard the USS New Orleans , as an Aviation Machinist Mate First Class. Edric was long regarded, and will be remembered as a Local Aviation Figure. His contribution to local aviation began as an instructor and charter pilot at the original Springfield Airport which was located on Liberty Street, Springfield. Edric was the last Manager of the airport, and as such, ceremoniously made the last flight from the airport runway , before it was turned into the Springfield Shopping Plaza in August 1955. He then became Manager and Fixed Base Operator at the Turners Falls Airport and later the FBO and Manager at the Orange Airport. His family included the Granville Brothers who by building the Gee Bee Racers, set aviation history in the 1930's in the same Springfield Airport. Edric served as a Captain in the Springfield Squadron of the Massachusetts Civil Air Patrol. He was a member of the Fritz's Romers Motorcycle Club, a charter member of the American Motorcycle Association, a life time member of the Aircraft Pilots and Owners Association, the ARDC Midget Car Club, and Moose Lodge#1849 in Chicopee . He was a parishioner of St.Patrick's Roman Catholic Church in Chicopee .

Calling hours are Monday 4:00 - 8:00 in Forastiere Smith Funeral Home, 220 North Main St., East Longmeadow. Funeral services are Tuesday, beginning in the funeral home, 8:45 AM; to be followed by a procession to St. Patrick Church, 319 Broadway, Chicopee , for a Liturgy of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 10:00 am. Burial will follow in St. Patrick Cemetery , on Fuller Road , in Chicopee .