Omer R. Chartrand

Orleans – Omer Rene Chartrand, 84, passed away on Tuesday February 26th at his home in Orleans. Born in Lowell, Massachusetts on December 3, 1928, he was the son of the late Joseph D. and Claire D. (Vadeboncoeur) Chartrand.

On October 5, 1957 he married Jean Nash at the Immaculate Conception church in Brewster.

Known to many as the “Mayor of Orleans”, he embraced the community. He was an active member of St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, a 3rd & 4th degree Knight in the local chapter of the Knights of Columbus, and an honorary Captain of the Orleans Police Department. Omer was a loving husband, father, Pepé, brother, "Uncle O”, companion and friend to many and was known by all for his gentle yet direct demeanor, quick wit, and overall joviality.

Omer attended neighborhood schools in Lowell and at age 12 he worked as an apprentice in a local pharmacy. This ignited his passion for science and in particular chemistry. Having served as a medic in the U.S. Army during WW II, his tour of duty took him to Panama and to locations within the United States. Omer graduated from the New England College of Pharmacy in 1952 and eventually opened a pharmacy in Orleans, then in Barnstable Village. “Seeing the writing on the wall”, Omer pursued his other passion; Law. He was appointed Clerk Magistrate for the First District Court of Barnstable in 1972, a position that he loved and diligently labored at until his retirement in 2002.

Remembered for his “Sock Hops” of the 50's and 60's, Omer organized and launched the annual Orleans Block Party held every August. An avid photographer, he loved snapping pictures of Rock Harbor sunsets, his beloved grandchildren, birds, flowers and his two Basset Hounds. He passed along a love of history to the whole family through multiple vacations in Colonial Williamsburg. Other interests included travel to Puerto Rico, lively banter with his "morning coffee club", and keeping his fingers on the pulse of the nation's political news.

Omer was pre-deceased by his wife Jean Nash Chartrand. He was a proud father to son, Thomas Chartrand, his wife, Melissa Hersh Chartrand of Marstons Mills and daughter, Jane Ferris and her husband Terry Ferris of Orleans. More so, he was the proud grandfather of Robert, Brittany and Ryan Chartrand and Kathleen and Kevin Ferris. He is survived by his brothers, Maurice Chartrand of Tilton, NH and Henry Chartrand of Show Low, AZ, many nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family.

He also leaves behind his very special friend Helen Pevey. A childhood friend that he reconnected with after 60 plus years. Helen put the skip back into his step and the twinkle in his eye, for which the family will be forever grateful.

Calling hours are being held on Sunday, March 3rd from 3:00 to 6:00 pm at Nickerson Funeral Home on Eldredge Parkway in Orleans. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday, March 4th at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church at 10:00 am. Burial immediately following at the Orleans Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts would be appreciated to St. Joan of Arc c/o Knights of Columbus Council 3384, 61 Canal Rd, Orleans, MA 02653 or a charity of one's choice.