Date Of Birth: April 4, 1936
Date Of Death: July 7, 2008
Rev. Dr. William Joseph Chiasson Jr., 72, Indianapolis, died peacefully Monday, July 7, 2008. He was born in Norwich, CT, to the late William Guillaume and Marie Le Bouthiller Chiasson. He graduated from St. Michael’s College, VT; obtained his doctorate from Purdue University in Organic Chemistry; and completed theological studies at St. Edmunds Seminary, VT, and Virginia Theological Seminary.A man of integrity and compassion, he shared his blessings by way of his life’s many works and ministries. He served as a clergyman, associate professor, chemist, inventor, executive, volunteer chaplain for St. Vincent Hospice, chairman of both Family Service and Big Brothers, co-founder of campus service programs, and prison spiritual director, as well as a volunteer for other community, church and service organizations. He was an art enthusiast, sportsman, and he held a deep appreciation for nature and solitude.He is survived by his wife, Diane; daughter, Lesley Marie; brother Ronald (Sandra); brothers-in-law, Jerry, Gordon (Charla) and Alan Simons; nephews and nieces in Connecticut, Massachusetts and Indiana; and many good friends.A Memorial Service will be held at the Church of the Nativity, 7300 Lantern Rd., Indianapolis, IN, at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 19th, with a light lunch to follow. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association of Greater Indiana, St. Vincent Hospice or the Church of the Nativity.
Paula Davenport says
A warm tribute to a special man. Bill loved to learn and was an inspiration to many. He was blessed with a devoted wife and a loving daughter.
Curtis Angie Chris and Erich Davies says
Diane and Leslie,
We are so sadened by your loss, but at the same time we are relieved that Bill is no longer suffering. He was a wonderful and kind man, and we have many fond memories of him. May the Lord’s love guide you both on this journey of grief and rememberance.
Love, Angie, Curtis, Chris and Erich
John Marynell says
Dear Diane and Leslie
You were blessed with a loving husband and father. My deepest sympathy to you both.
John Marynell
Donna King says
Dear Diane and Leslie,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Bill was a very warm hearted man and will be remembered by many. Diane and Leslie bless you both for all the unfailing love and care you have given during his illness. My prayers are with you all.
Love and Peace
Donna King
Jay C Gagne says
Diane,
I feel fortunate to have known Bill for the last 14 years. He was always a kind person… always had a smile… and always a gentle way about him.
I also had the pleasue of observing Bill as a family man… He was a devoted husband and a dedicated father.
As I look at the legacy Bill leaves behind through his wife Diane and Daughter Leslie… I am extremely impressed with the Chiasson legacy.
Bill was a deeply spiritual man and I am confident he is in a better place looking over all of his loved ones.
Jay
Bob Mary Ellen Bossom says
Diane,
We were truly saddened to learn of Bill’s passing but know he is now in a better place.
We only wish we had met him prior to the onset of his disease. What a wonderful and full list of accomplishments he had to his credit.
We are always here if and when you need help. Bill will always be at your side.
God bless & keep you.
Bob & Mary Ellen Bossom
The Leonards Family says
Diane and Lesley:
Good job on the obit. It has good chemistry. You are both in our thoughts and prayers.
Rebecca, David, Mandy, Gerald, Brett,& Grant
Charles and Winnie Fromer says
Diane and Lesley
We were saddened upon learning of Bill passing but realizing he is now resting in peace. Diane, you are to be commended upon the tender loving care you gave Bill all during his illness. You not only lost a husband and father but we lost a very dear friend
Melody Amanda Bogan says
Diane & Leslie –
Bill exemlified humanity, love, & peace.
We are truly sorry about his passing.
Melody & Amanda Bogan
Marty and Dianne Gorbaty says
We were friends for more than 40 years. Bill was best man at our wedding. Words cannot express our sorrow at his loss.
Know that our thoughts and prayers are with you, Diane, and Leslie.
Mary Lou Brown says
Diane and Lesley, I worked for Bill at Lilly. His vision and passion for the work we did was inspirational. I became a better professional because of him. Go forward with the knowledge that he did so much good, for so many people, in his life.
Alexandra Wyatt formerly Alexandra Charles says
Diane and Lesley,
I was so sorry to hear about your husband/dad. I didn’t know about his condition and I feel deeply for the pain that it must have caused all 3 of you. I had not seen him since you and I were children Lesley, but I remember him fondly. Your family was like a second family to me while we were kids growing up, and I am just so sorry that you are having to go through this. Please know that you both are in my heart and my prayers. Feel free to contact me (butterflywyatt@yahoo.com) if you need someone to talk to Lesley. I wish for both of you a healing in your hearts, and minds that only remember the good times.
Douglas L Tillman says
Diane and Lesley
As you know, my relationship with Bill goes way back and he was my friend. His passion and spirit were enviable and his competitiveness (especially in tennis) was admired. I know he is at peace after a life well lived. Sorry I will not be able to attend the service on the 19th but know that you and he will be in my thoughts. Please let me know if I may help in any way. My best to you. Doug
Barb Waldo says
Diane and Lesley, after I came to Nativity 10 years ago “Mr. Bill,” as I called him, used to come in to make copies of the lessons for the Shelbyville church. That’s how I came to appreciate his kind and gentle spirit and his sly sense of humor, which I’m not sure everyone got to experience. He will be greatly missed and you have my deepest sympathy.
Barb
The Smitley Family says
Diane,
Father Bill was a good shepherd. He helped to herd our family back to the faith, and we continue to be blessed by his teachings.
David, Victoria, Ashleigh, Daniel, and Aubray
Wes Waggener says
Diane,
I am so sad to hear about the passing of Bill. I have many fond memories as a volunteer at the RCA Championships and you and Bill are a big part of those. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Best Wishes, Wes Waggener
David Rose Marie Eagerton says
Diane, Bill was a great man. It was our pleasure to know him and you. We sure enjoyed the few times that we were together.He will certainly be missed. If there is ever anything that we can do for you, please let us know.
Houston L Swenson says
Dear Diane, Ginger and I read Bill’s obit the morning that we drove up to Ely, Minnesota for a week of canoeing. This time we were in a cabin, not a tent! We recalled some great memories on that trip with you to the Temagami waters, and yes we had rain. Bill was a true class person and a joy to be with. He never foot faulted! Your strength in body and spirit was surely a Godsend for Bill and Lesley during his ordeal. Your in our thoughts and prayers, Hugh and Ginger
Tina McIntosh says
Diane, All of us at Joy’s House send our love and thoughts. Bill was such a sweet and gentle man. He will be missed ~ Tina, Laura and Joy’s House staff
Frank Brown Jr says
Please accept my sincerest condolences. I only learned of Dr. Chiasson’s passing today when I read the Lilly retiree magazine. I attended graduate school at Purdue with Bill and was instrumental in recruiting him as a chemist at Lilly.
May God continue to touch you and your daughter during your period of grief and healing.
Sincerely,
Frank Brown