Those are the words of a beautiful love song, written and sung by Neil Diamond, and the favorite song of the late Harold Leo Chase.
Harold Leo Chase of Dennis, MA was born October 4, 1930 in Pepperell, MA. Husband of Eileen Chase for 64 years, Leo passed away peacefully on December 12, 2020. Leo was the son of the late Annabelle (Doherty) and Francis Chase and was a Veteran of the Korean War. The birth and death of this incredibly admired man, however, is not nearly as relevant as all the days and nights that he lived to the fullest in between.
He passed away with the love of his life, Eileen Chase, by his side where she has been ever since the first day they met at Columbia Pictures in Boston. And what a love story it was for the two of them. Eileen proclaimed the day she met him she was going to marry him and when that woman sets her mind to something, nothing gets in her way! They married in 1956 and shared endless adventures and love, sticking together like Bonnie and Clyde until the very end!
They reared their family in Sudbury, MA. Leo loved being a father and supported his kids in all their endeavors. He coached their little league teams and sought advice from them on which players to select to be on their winning teams. He liked to win, and he truly loved watching his children and grandchildren play sports.
Leo was intellectually gifted and always knew the answer to every question he was ever asked. And, he asked a lot and never answered any! He knew exactly who set fireworks off and caught a house on fire, but would still always ask if they knew anything about it? He knew who had taken the car out of town because of the bugs on the headlights, but he would still always ask, where did you go tonight?
Leo attended Hingham High School and Northeastern University. He excelled at baseball and basketball in high school, was an avid golfer, and took great pride in his hole in one at The Ridge Club. His favorite baseball player was Ted Williams.
Leo spent two years in the army, stationed in Germany. Upon returning home, he worked for Industrial Stainless Steel and finished his successful career at Merrill Lynch. After retiring, he moved to Naples, Florida and lived at Pelican Bay, where he made a whole new world of friends.
When the family would come to visit in Naples, they would all go to Campiello’s. The staff called Eileen and Leo the “Kennedy Family,” as Leo was always meticulously dressed in his preppy Ralph Lauren sweaters, colorful polo shirts and white pants. He looked like he just stepped off a yacht. One of the servers at Campiello’s said to him,” You must be rich. Upon hearing this, Leo laughed and said, “I have six children – I’ll never be rich! But I am blessed beyond riches!” His quick wit and sense of humor were second to none.
Leo was an amazing joke teller and was never afraid to speak his mind. He spoke with a quiet voice yet always delivered a big message.
Left behind to carry on Leo’s legacy are his beloved wife of 64 years, “Leeny,” his children, Ted, Tim, Jake, Paula, Drew, his beloved son Doug, who predeceased him, along with son-in-law Chuck Deluga whom he considered a son, his daughter in-law Cheryl Chase, and his grandchildren Drake, Chase, Kaylee, Julia, Morgan, Drew Jr., Sydney, and Chase; his brothers John Chase and Raymond Chase and wife Jacqui, and brothers Bob Chase and Joe Chase who predeceased him. He also left behind several nieces and nephews along with countless friends. He loved you all!
We would also like to thank the staff at Laurentide’s at Mashpee Commons for all of their care and support. They were truly wonderful.
Leo lived a full and happy life and will be missed beyond measure. We are honored to celebrate the dash of time between the day he entered this world and the day he left it.
A celebration of Leo’s life will be held this summer by his family.
In lieu of flowers, charitable donations in Leo’s memory are welcome,
For online condolences, please visit www.doanebealamesdennis.com .
"Good times never seemed so good"
