BRACEY, Feb. 26 – Wilfred R. Chassey, of Bracey, passed away Wednesday, February 18, 2009 at Maguire VA Hospital in Richmond. He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth of 52 years; children, Richard, Karen Veith, Lynda, and Diane Thornton; and grandchildren Elizabeth, Carter, Russell, Austin Veith, Isabel Veith, Connor Veith, Stella Thornton, and Sean Thornton.

Wil served with distinction in the First Marine Division in Korea where he was involved in the Chosin Reservoir action. He was a member of the Marine Corps League, Lake Country Detachment 1085 and the American Legion Post 79.

Upon his return from Korea on the GI Bill, Wil attended Springfield College earning a Bachelor's degree in history and teaching and a Master's degree in Educational Administration. As a member of the Springfield wrestling team he won the NCAA regional championship in his weight division. Wil devoted his career to teaching and coaching at both the college and high school level. In his varied career, he was a high school history teacher, an Associate Professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and the Director of Athletics at Hampden-Sydney College.

Wil retired from the Tilton School in New Hampshire, where the outstanding wrestler of the year award is named in his honor.

At his request, there were no funeral arrangements. A private family memorial was held Saturday, February 21 in Bracey.

The family requests that donations be made to the charity of your choice.

Crowder, Hite, Crews Funeral Home, South Hill, served the family.