Burton Chandler

Burton T. Chandler “Burt”, 89 of Rockland, passed away at home surrounded by his family on February 7, 2021. Born on April 10, 1931 in Weymouth, he was the son of the late Burton D. and Mildred E. (Thayer) Chandler.

Burton was a lifelong resident of Rockland, MA. He graduated from Rockland High School in 1948 and, after graduating, joined the United States Army where he served in the Korean War with the 835th Aviation Battalion. Lieutenant Colonel Burton T. Chandler retired in 1978 after a celebrated and decorated career as an Engineer Officer in the United States Army National Guard. He continued to honor his country and the U.S. military by participating in community parades and services. Burton enjoyed time spent sharing experiences with other service members and was an active member of the local VFW and American Legion. He was a benevolent member of the Masonic Lodge in Whitman and he conformed to the Regulations and Laws of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Right and to the Principles of Freemasonry.

After retiring from the military, Burton did work for several years as an electrical inspector for Electroswitch Corporation eventually retiring in 1995. 

An avid historian, Burton spent countless hours researching his family genealogy. He took great pride in being a Mayflower descendant and was an enthusiastic member of the Mayflower Society and the Alden House Association. He enjoyed his time spent visiting Plymouth and the many historical sites around the area.

Burton was a nature enthusiast. He was a nature lover at heart and spent most of his time in his yard and woods. He also loved going to the beach, clamming, camping, boating and fishing.

Most of all Burton loved animals, especially his companion goose, Gansu. There wasn’t an animal around that he wouldn’t take in and treat with the utmost of care. 

Burton was the beloved husband of the late Barbara A. (Arnio) Chandler. Devoted father of Deborah Lynch of Rockland and her late husband Thomas, Barbie Chandler of Plymouth, Sandra Mahoney of Abington and the late William and David Chandler. Also survived by his sister in-law Susan E. Miller and late husband William of Mississippi. He will be deeply missed by many grandchildren and great grandchildren that will always remember him as "Grampa Burt".

Visiting hours in the Sullivan Funeral Home, 45 East Water St, Rockland, on Friday February 12th from 4-7pm. All other services will be private for the family only, due to COVID restrictions.

A special thank you to the nurses and staff at Hospice of the South Shore. In lieu of flowers donations in Burton’s memory can be made to the Majestic Waterfowl Sanctuary 17 Barker Rd. Lebanon, CT 06249.