Ernest Chagnon

HOLYOKE- Ernest Chagnon, Sr., 99, passed peacefully on Sunday, April 7, 2013 at home with family and caregiver/brother in law Robert Goodrow at his side. He lived in Holyoke most of his life before moving to Springfield in 1982. He attended Holyoke High School and was a big fan of the HHS Football Team, attending many games in his lifetime. He worked at the Springfield Armory during WWII and retired from Milton Bradley Co. where he also was the “Santa” for many years at the Milton Bradley Children’s Christmas Party. Ernie enjoyed traveling, playing the harmonica and playing cards at the Pine Point Senior Center in Springfield. He is predeceased by his first wife of 47 years, Clara (Drummer) Chagnon, who passed in 1981. He is also predeceased by his second wife of 24 years, Alma (Goodrow) DeVine Chagnon who passed in 2006. He leaves his children, Claire Steinbock of Cape Canaveral, FL; Ernest Chagnon, Jr. of Turners Falls, MA; Carl Chagnon and his wife Susan of Troutman, NC; June Jarrett of Holyoke, MA; 11 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren, 14 great great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. He will also be remembered by Donald and Janice DeVine, Harold and Judy DeVine, Kenneth DeVine, Norma and Hector Tourigny, Arthur and Rose Goodrow, Edward and Ellen Goodrow, Eugene and Joanne Goodrow, Carmella Goodrow, Henry Malouin and their families. Visiting hours will be held on Saturday, April 13, 2013 from 11:30 – 12:30AM at Messier Funeral Home, 1944 Northampton St., Holyoke, MA 01040 and followed by a funeral home service at 12:30PM. The Rite of Committal and Burial will be in Forestdale Cemetery, Cabot St., Holyoke. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages a donation in Ernie’s name to a charity of one’s choice. Please visit www.messierfuenralhome.com for more details.