Ellis "Pete" S. Chaffee

Those we love don't go away, they walk beside us everyday. Unseen, unheard but always near, so loved, so missed, so very dear….Our hearts were saddened with the passing of a wonderful man who touched our lives in so many ways, Ellis S. Chaffee, 83, of RR 3, Rome, Pa passed away peacefully at the Robert Packer Hospital following a brief period of declining health with his loving family by his side on Tuesday morning, September 14, 2010. "Pete" as he was affectionately known and remembered by his family and friends was born on August 8, 1927 at home in Rome, Pa a son of the late Levi and Helen (Ross) Chaffee. Pete spent his youth on the family farm where he loved hunting and spending time outdoors. Having an interest in flying, Pete often skipped school to pursue his interest and obtained his pilots license. He was a graduate of Rome High School Class of 1946, where he had participated on the basketball and baseball teams. On December 7, 1949, Pete married Minnie Platt and together they have shared nearly sixty-one years of happiness. Always looking for adventure, Pete and Minnie purchased Westbrook's Fashions Clothing Store in Endicott and continued to own and operate it for 15 years. Dedicated to his family, Pete was a hardworking man who rarely took time to rest. For many years, Pete was employed in construction as a heavy equipment operator and had worked on various jobs throughout New York and Connecticut. Following his retirement, Pete and Minnie enjoyed taking their 1929 Model A Touring Car to area car show, traveling in their motor home and assisting in the restoration of the BriMarie Inn. He will be greatly missed by his family and many friends. Pete is survived by his wife Minnie (Platt) Chaffee; daughter and son-in-law: Lynn and Michael Forys of LeRaysville, Pa; son and daughter-in-law: Brian and Loretta Chaffee of Rome, Pa; a sister Eloise Bush of Standing Stone, Pa; five granddaughters; Dr. Kelly (Matthew) Donahue; Kim Forys, Kari (Chad) Bell; Brianna (Ryan) Morales and Alicia (Chad) Mosier, a great granddaughter Ava Marie Bell; several nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends also survive. Pete was predeceased by his parents Levi and Helen (Ross) Chaffee and an infant son Keith Eugene Chaffee in 1950. Family and friends are invited to attend a memorial service and celebration of Pete's life on Saturday, September 18th at 1 pm at the Sutfin Funeral Chapel, 273 S. Main St., Nichols with Pastor James Donahoo, officiating. A period of visitation and time of sharing memories will be held on Saturday from 11 to until the time of the service. Memories and condolences for Pete's family may also be shared by visiting our website at www.sutfinfuneralchapel.com Flowers will be provided by the family and memorial contributions may be directed to the Windham Ambulance Assocation c/o Anna Bowen, RD 2, Box 63A, Rome, PA 18837 in loving memory of Ellis "Pete" S. Chaffee. Following the services a luncheon and period of fellowship will be held at the Rome Presbyterian Church Hall in Rome, Pa.