Alton “Al” S. Chandler, 78, a long-time resident of Keene died on Sunday, March 4, 2018 in the comfort of his home.
Alton was born the son of the late Mary (Coolm) and Allen Chandler on September 5, 1939 in St. Albans, VT. He attended schools in Middlebury, Vt. and graduated from Middlebury High School Class of 1957.
He served his country in the U.S. Army National Guard as a Personnel Specialist. Al was honorably discharged on December 9, 1962 at the rank of Sp4 – E4.
Al worked as a Senior Sales Rep for the Tichenor College Textbook Company until he retired in 2008. Prior he had worked for Wallace’s College Textbook Co., Barnes and Noble, Keene State College as Book Store Manager and Middlebury College Book Store as the Assistant Manager.
On April 21, 1990 he exchanged vows with Maureen E. (Whittle) formerly Robarge. They were married at St. James Episcopal Church in Keene with family and friends in attendance. They have been married for almost twenty-eight years.
Al was well known for being a sports enthusiast. He enjoyed watching all the New England teams. He also loved to watch the up and comers playing college basketball. Al was always up for going to dinner and enjoying time with family and friends. Mostly, Al was a family man. He enjoyed being a husband, father and in time grandfather.
Mr. Chandler is survived by his wife, Maureen E. Chandler of Keene. His children; Constance Bessette of VT., Tracy Chandler of MD., Timothy Chandler of Taunton, MA., Jessica Bergeron of Barrington, Michael Robarge and his fiancee Kimberley Diemond. Chesterfield, Mark Robarge of Rindge, Jeremy Robarge and his wife Mary of Keene and Justin Robarge and his wife Sara of Monterey, CA. His identical twin Allen Chandler and his wife Estelle; his sister in-law on his side, Kathy Chandler. His in-laws on his wife’s side; Paul Whittle and his wife Linda, Cait Throop and her husband, Gary, Kevin Whittle, Faith Palermo and her husband Phil, Eileen Stewart and her husband Don, Meg Whittle and her partner Darlene Beauregard and Stephen Whittle and his wife Ellen Williams. Grandchildren; Hannah Upham and her husband Josh, Abby Bergeron, Alexis Robarge, Aiden Robarge, Dylan Robarge, Alaina White and her husband Griffin, Nathan Robarge, Steven Robarge, Elizabeth Robarge and twins Sylas and Haven Robarge. Two great grandchildren; Carson Upham and Kaya Upham. Al is pre-deceased by his brother, Phillip Chandler. In addition he leaves; cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
A very special thank you from Maureen to her sister Eileen for her incredible and loving help during Al’s final days.
Calling hours will be held on Friday, February 9, 2018 from 10 to 11am. with a celebration of life service to follow at 11am. all in the funeral chapel. Burial will take place later. Flowers will gladly be accepted. However, the family would request donations be made in memory of Alton S. Chandler to: Hospice and Community Services, 312 Marlboro St. Keene, NH. 03431. All services are under the care of Cheshire Family Funeral Chapel and Crematories, 44 Maple Ave. Keene, NH. 03431. WWW.cheshirefamilyfh.com
