IN MEMORIAM (Full Obituary)

Calvin W. ‘Cal’ Chase, 67;

Hartwick Hawks’ #1 Fan

ONEONTA – Calvin W. “Cal” Chase, celebrated as the Hartwick Hawks’ Number One fan, credited with saving the college’s Division One soccer program, and much honored by his alma mater, passed away on July 31, 2017, after a long, courageously fought battle with cancer.

He was born Nov. 27, 1949, in Cooperstown, son of June (Cobb) and Calvin L. Chase who predeceased him. He grew up on the family farm in Milford, and graduated from Milford Central School in 1967 as valedictorian.

He continued his education as a math major at Hartwick College, graduating cum laude in June, 1971. Cal began his banking career shortly after graduation as a bank teller with Key Bank, operating then under the name, National Commercial Bank. He was with this banking institution 25 years, where he managed the West End Branch seven years (1975-1982) and served 14 years as a commercial loan officer. The last 10 years of his career were with the NBT Bank, joining as it was establishing the first branch in the Oneonta area.

He was a life-long member of the Milford United Methodist Church, where he married Kathryn Eggleston on June 27, 1970. Over the years, Cal’s community involvement included Rotary, Kiwanis Club, and 16 years as a board member with Fox Hospital, serving a term as president. He was also a member of Fox Hospital Foundation. Other boards he served on were Foothills Performing Arts Center and United Way.

Cal maintained strong ties with Hartwick College over the years following his graduation. He served on the executive council of the Hartwick College Citizens Board, Alumni Association Board and WAA (Wick Athletic Association). He received several awards from Hartwick in recognition of his support and dedication to his alma mater.

Cal was two-time winner of the Millencan Award in recognition of his dedication to the Hartwick Men’s Soccer Program. He traveled extensively with the team for many years and could often be found sitting in on their practices. When the Men’s Soccer Team was in danger of losing their Division One status, he rallied the “die-hard” fans and chaired the local campaign “Reignite the Wick” to raise money to save Division I sports at Hartwick, which included Women’s Water Polo Team.

Due in part to his effort, he received The Alumni Association Meritorious Service Award (2009), Hartwick College Citizen of the Year Award (2011) and was inducted into Hartwick’s Athletic Hall of Fame (2011). Sept. 9, 2007, the bleacher area on Elmore Field was dedicated to and named Chase Pavilion and in 2012 the refurbished men’s soccer team room was renamed the Calvin W. Chase Men’s Soccer Team Room.

In July 2017, an “Appreciation Reception” was held in Cal’s honor at Stella Luna to celebrate the 20th anniversary of NBT Bank opening in Oneonta and the 40th anniversary of the Hartwick College men’s soccer national championship. Members of NBT Bank and Hartwick College recognized that they wanted to say a thank you to the one person who played an integral part in the opening of NBT Bank and the continued existence and success of the Division One soccer program at Hartwick.

Treasured friendships were made through connections with work, community and his alma mater. During his banking career, he delighted colleagues with witty limericks and poetry. His life was centered around love of family, community service and as an avid sports fan, especially Hartwick men’s soccer team. In recent years Cal enjoyed meeting his friends for coffee at the Neptune Diner and later at the Plaza Diner. He wished to thank his buddies, the waitresses and ownership for all of their support and friendship.

He is survived by his children Christopher (Joleen) Chase, Richfield Springs, Jeffrey (Sunaina) Chase, Marlborough, Mass., and Kelly (Adam) Durkee, Orlando, Fla.; grandchildren Ace Durkee of Orlando, Julian Chase of Richfield Springs, and Cappagnia-Lynne Chase of Oneonta and her mother Autumn Chase; sisters Linda (Elisher) Ballard, Queensbury, and Carolyn (David) Meade, Milford; his former wife and dear friend Kathryn Chase, Unadilla, and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Along with his parents, he was predeceased by his infant son, Eric Scott, and infant daughter, Christie Lynn.

Friends are invited to greet the family noon-1 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 24, at the First United Methodist Church, 66 Chestnut St., Oneonta, with a service immediately following at 1 pm.

Burial will take place in Milford Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Contributions in Cal’s memory may be made to Hartwick College Wick Athletic Association, Oyaron Hill, Oneonta, NY 13820 or The Milford United Methodist Church Relief Fund, PO Box 127, Milford, NY 13807.

Condolences to the family may be offered online by visiting www.grummonsfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements are by the Lester R. Grummons Funeral Home of Oneonta, NY.