Robert George Chavanelle, Sr.

On August 8, 2023, Robert George Chavanelle, Sr, 91, passed away peacefully at home with his loving wife Christine by his side. A lifelong resident of Manchester, New Hampshire, Bob built a life over the last 58 years with his wife where they have made countless memories with family and friends.

Bob, one of five children, was born on January 10, 1932, to Alfred and Aurore (Desruisseaux) Chavanelle. Growing up in the Millyard, it was only fitting that his first job was tending to flocks of chickens in one of the mills. In the late 1940s and early 1950s, he attended and graduated from Central High School and subsequently went on to serve our country as part of the United States Army in the 25^th Infantry Division and the 224^th Infantry Regiment overseas during the Korean War. During the 1960s, he began his career at Ingersoll Rand working as a heavy machinery mechanic. Bob was driven; he worked to understand the intricacies of each part and machine, and to master or customize the requisite tools for each assignment. This position took him to many remote parts of the country where he recounted fond stories of those he encountered in the “coldest place in the United States”. After nearly 3 decades, Bob retired from this job to take on a slower pace in life.

Music was Bob’s hobby and first love. As a younger man, loved ones found Bob out many nights on the town singing karaoke and dancing to his favorite harmonies from Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley. He was a lifelong member of many of the city’s private clubs where he brought his special humor and charisma to the other members.

For the later part of his life, Bob remained a simple man spending most of his time at home with his family and animal companions, listening to his CDs, and watching baseball games and the gameshow network.

He was known to many in various ways – husband, father, brother, Grampa, “Chevy”, or Bob – but the one consistent was always his quick wit and sarcastic sense of humor. Bob was strong-willed and stubborn at times, as evidenced by his battle with various ailments, but his will and stubborn sense gave him the fight he needed to beat those ailments time and again.  

He will be remembered for his enormous heart and the love he shared with his friends and family. When his time came, he carried himself with dignity and strength, with a heart full of love for those who surrounded him. He will be missed dearly.

Family Who Went Before

Bob was predeceased by both parents as well as his brothers Ernie, Roger, and Donald Chavanelle.

Family He Left Behind

He is survived by his wife Christine Chavanelle; sister Lorraine (Chavanelle) Richards; children Robert (Jr), Daniel, and Paul Chavanelle, Debi Langlais, Tina Ames, and Scott Berry; and many nieces, nephews, grand- and great grandchildren!

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday September 30, 2023, from 1:00-3:00 pm, at the Benoit Apartments Community Room at 211 Tarrytown Road, in Manchester, NH. Family and friends are invited to attend. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make a memorial contribution please do so to the NH Veterans Cemetery Association, Inc., P.O. Box 626, Concord, NH 03302-0626.