EAST MIDDLEBURY — William F. Chaffee, 70, of East Middlebury, Vt., passed away Oct. 24, 2019, with his family nearby after a brief illness. He was born March 4, 1949, in Weybridge, Vt., to Frank and Theresa (Marshall) Chaffee. He graduated from Middlebury Union High School in 1968.
He married Alice T. Sawyer of Rutland, Vt., on Oct. 11, 1975. William had a house in East Middlebury into which Alice moved soon after they were married.
He was a mechanic for over 40 years. He also enjoyed spending time with his family, including playing soccer with grandson Jayden. He banded birds with his sons and loved teaching his kids how to become a mechanic. His youngest son has become a mechanic.
William is survived by his wife of 44 years, Alice; sons Patrick and Bradford and his partner Andrea, of East Middlebury;  sister Irene Spooner of South Burlington; and several nieces and nephews. Two grandchildren, Jayden Mahoney of Middlebury and Kinleigh Chaffee of Addison, also survive him. He is predeceased by his father and mother, Frank and Theresa Chaffee, and his sister Gladys (Chaffee) Austin.
William was faced with cancer in early 2017 and went into remission in 2018. He fought against the illness and won with his family by his side.
There will be a celebration of Bill’s life on Sunday, Nov. 10, at the VFW, 530 Exchange Street in Middlebury from 2 to 6 p.m.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Middlebury Regional EMS in Middlebury, Vt.◊