11/04/2025
Obituary for David Jerome Chase -
Durham, NH - David Jerome Chase, 88, of Durham, New Hampshire, passed away peacefully this week surrounded by family. Born on November 3, 1936, David was the eldest son of the late Malcolm and Charlotte Chase of Durham and brother of the late M. Jerome Chase of Lee, NH and was a 1954 graduate of Dover High School.
David is survived by his devoted wife of 67 years, Mary Ann Chase (née Stone), and their loving children: Dianne R. Chase of Lee, NH; Susan M. Chase of Portsmouth, NH; David A. Chase and wife Caroline of Dumfries, Virginia; and Edward E. Chase and wife Sharon of Durham, NH. He was the proud grandfather of Sophie Watts (nee’ Chase) and husband Hunter, Kirsten Chase, Evan Chase, Ethan Butterworth, Peri Chase, Zander Chase and husband, Victor, and Aizza Chase, and great-grandfather to Ellie Ann Watts. He is also survived by his cousin Robert Chase of York. ME and Franconia, NH, nephews Jeremiah Chase and wife Claudia and their sons Lucas and Leo of Framingham, MA and Malcolm Chase and his son Kyle of Sarasota, Florida. In addition to family, David embraced the role as mentor and teacher to many others who will greatly miss him.
David was a proud member of the Theta Chi Fraternity and a 1958 graduate of the University of New Hampshire, receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology. David, after beginning his military service in the reserves in high school, was commissioned in the Army Reserve in 1958 through the University’s Army ROTC program. Upon graduation, he served 14 years active and reserve duty in the Army as an infantry officer and helicopter pilot. He served in a variety of operational and staff billets, principally with the 101st Airborne Division. His military service to our country provided the foundation for a lifetime of commitment and sacrifice, always putting the needs of others ahead of his own. His love for flying did not end with the Army. He was a licensed single and multi-engine pilot, owning and operating Cessna and Beechcraft aircraft,
both for business and pleasure.
Following his military service, David became a respected and highly successful real estate developer on the South Shore of Massachusetts, where he founded and operated one of the region’s largest residential and commercial real estate brokerage firms. Of his many noteworthy projects in the tri-state region, his entrepreneurial spirit and dedication were instrumental in launching the revitalization and restoration of downtown Newburyport, MA., a family project that remains part of his enduring legacy and a tribute to the Chase legacy which began there in 1638. David was also active in his community, serving on the Boards of South Shore Hospital, South Shore Visiting Nurses Association, Town of Cohasset MA police and fire station renovation committee, and helping to secure funding and supporting new construction and renovation of the Cohasset MA schools, Boston Coastal Management Conference, UNH Alumni Association, and National Association of Realtors. He also served as the Director, Rockland Credit Union and Hingham Cooperative Bank, President, Plymouth County Board of Realtors and Vice President, Massachusetts Board of Realtors. David was committed to helping others, he consistently supported local initiatives that promoted education and self-reliance. He was a lifelong supporter of UNH, specifically the Jere A. Chase Ocean Engineering Laboratory –
School of Marine Science.
Beyond his professional achievements, David will be remembered as a devoted husband, committed father, loving son, steadfast brother, and a true and selfless friend. His sharp mind, gentle humor, and unwavering love for family defined his life and inspired all who knew him. A life spent teaching others how to live well, he was a natural athlete, an accomplished championship skier, lifelong sailor, rotary and fixed wing pilot, and a skilled craftsman. In each of his children and grandchildren, he instilled the love of sports and spirit of competition, sailing and family. His partnership with Mary Ann, built on faith, laughter, and devotion, was the foundation of a beautiful 67-year marriage.
David’s life will be celebrated in a Celebration of Life on Saturday, November 8, 2025 at 1:00 PM at the Community Church of Durham (Durham Congregational Church), Durham, New Hampshire. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made in his memory to the University of New Hampshire.