Armand L. "Mickey" Chasse

GRAND ISLE — Armand “Mickey” Chasse’, 91, of Grand Isle, Maine, died peacefully and lovingly surrounded by his family, on Tuesday, May 28, 2024, at BorderView Nursing Home in Van Buren, Maine.  Armand was predeceased by his wife Lorette (Dubois) Chasse’ and daughter Janice Chasse’.

Armand was born on October 28, 1932, in Grand Isle, Maine.  He was the son of the late Philip Chasse’ and Agnes (Beaulieu) Chasse’.

Mickey first and foremost was a wonderful family man. His enthusiasm for life and nature was shared with his children. He made everything an adventure - from viewing the Aurora Borealis, to foraging for fiddleheads, berries, hazelnuts, apples, and of course, potatoes.  His excitement when the smelt were running or when the trout were biting was contagious to the family.  He made every day exciting.

He was a wonderful Pépère to his grandchildren - embracing the role as he did fatherhood. The weeks spent with his children and grandchildren never felt like enough, and the feeling was reciprocated. He will forever live in their hearts and will always be missed.

In his later years, he lovingly cared for his wife, Lorette, for five years at home, with an unmatched commitment, gentleness, and patience, as she suffered with Alzheimer’s disease.  Then for the next seven years, he went to the nursing home daily for 4 to 6 hours to feed her and sit with her, even during Nor’easters.  In addition, he visited with many other residents brightening their days as well.

He was a dedicated volunteer. He served on the School Board and as a fearless firefighter.  He also served on the Church Council, was a Eucharistic Minister and was a Lector. He is most remembered for his beautiful tenor voice which could be heard weekly singing in the church choir. His vocal training began at the age of five with the Nuns at the convent. He sang and soloed at many celebrations and festivals in both the United States and Canada. He also sang at ordinations and at hundreds of weddings and funerals over the years. He never missed a note/

Mickey was known for his enormous vegetable gardens which yielded a tremendous bounty of which he generously shared with neighbors, the elderly, and nursing homes.

He was a fixture at Case/International Harvester in Grand Isle, Maine for 51 years. He was no nonsense and was known for his catchphrase “doggune de baboon” (in French because he did not want to cuss). Many referred to him as the “computer” for his ability to recall serial numbers on parts. His selfless availability to farmers during the growing season was greatly appreciated, marked by the multiple bottles of liquor he received at Christmas.  

He is survived by his children: Eileen and husband Fernand, Bruce and fiance’ Lisa (and her daughters Faith and Kara), Beverly and husband Patrick, Lola and husband Glenn, Andrea and husband Damon, Cynthia and husband Scott - Also, five grandchildren: Natalie, Justin, Caleb, Emily and husband Buck, Jocelyn and husband Mike - two great grandchildren Liam, and Grayson - one sister Cecile Chasse’ and one Brother-In-Law, Paul Dubois - as well as many nieces and nephews.

Friends and relatives may call at St. Gerard Church, in Grand Isle on Friday, July 5th 2024 at 9:15am followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m.  Interment will follow at Grand Isle Cemetery immediately after Mass.

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