Joseph Chase

Joseph T. Chase, 72, passed away peacefully May 14, 2014 at his home in Green. Joe was born on September 17, 1941 in Syracuse, New York, to mother Margaret Collins Chase and father Leslie Chase. In 1954 the Chase family moved to Akron, where Joe was educated at St. Sebastian School, Archbishop Hoban High School, and The University of Akron, earning a degree in Accounting and Business in 1964. In these formative years, Joe's affable nature made him many lifelong friends, especially as a member of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity. His career took Joe to various locales, working for the Firestone Tire and Rubber Company and the Ford Motor Company, eventually ending up in Detroit. While he spent his days in the auto business, he spent many of the remaining hours quietly pursuing his true passion, real estate. Joe amassed a sizeable portfolio, enabling him to achieve the enviable dream of turning his passion into a career. As with many of his era, Joe's path was briefly interrupted when he proudly served his country in the Vietnam War, starting as a First Lieutenant in the Corps of Engineers before becoming a Captain, and earning an Army Commendation Medal. Having made his mark in the Detroit real estate market, fate brought Joe back to Akron when he serendipitously reunited with an old college flame, Polly Crouse Chase. In time, Joe married Polly, replaced Detroit holdings with local rentals, and re-established himself in the community. Together, Joe and Polly had a fantastic adventure, hosting celebrations for family and friends at Homewood Farm, and traveling locally and abroad, especially in Mexico. Joe's union with Polly filled a void previously unrecognized, and made a family complete. A man of unwavering faith, Joe was a parishioner at Queen of Heaven Catholic Church in Green, where he was very active in the St. Vincent de Paul Society, a pursuit which provided as much reward to Joe as it did to those he helped. Those close to him will remember the many wonderful times had as a member of the Turkeyfoot Island Club and Portage Country Club. Joe is survived by his wife, Polly Chase, brother Thomas G. (Joan) Chase of Savannah, Georgia, stepchildren James Crouse (Meredith), and Barbara Babbitt (Craig), grandchildren Will, Teddy, and Caroline Babbitt, and many loving cousins, nephews, and friends. And we can't forget Grady and Moe. A sincere man who truly cared for his family, friends, and community, Joe will be missed. We will always think fondly of him whenever we hear the refrain of 'Blue Christmas,' take a sip of Mexican coffee, or peruse home listings in the paper. Calling hours will be Monday from 5-8 pm at Hummel Funeral Home in Akron. Mass of Christian Burial on Tuesday at 10 am at Queen of Heaven Catholic Church in Green. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Archbishop Hoban High School, 1 Holy Cross Boulevard, Akron, Ohio, 44306, or the St. Vincent de Paul Society at Queen of Heaven Catholic Church, 1800 Steese Road, Uniontown, Ohio 44685.