Warner S. 'Skip' Chandler, Jr. Dies at 80; Worked for Foxborough Water Department for Over 30 Years

Warner Smith “Skip” Chandler, Jr., 80, passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 25, 2013 at Rhode Island Medical Center surrounded by the comfort of his loving family. He was the son of the late Warner and Dorothy (Bell) Chandler.

Skip was born in Portland, Maine on July 17, 1932. He was a graduate of New Gloucester High School and Gould Academy in Bethel, Maine. He proudly served his country in the United States National Guard Reserves. He and his wife Helen were married at St. Mary’s Church in Foxborough on June 24, 1961.

Skip worked for the Foxborough Water Department for over 33 years, retiring in 1995 and was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 6063 in Foxborough.

Skip was a character and legendary storyteller. After the death of his wife Helen, he attended writing classes led by Peg Mossman in order to learn how best to commit his stories to paper. That resulted in volumes of stories, recipes and amusing anecdotes, some of which were published in the Foxboro Reporter.

A history buff, Skip collected and chronicled his own family history, which dates back to the nascent days of colonial America through the love letters written by his parents in the 1930s.

Skip was well known to the regulars at the Foxborough Senior Center, where he enjoyed the men’s breakfasts, writing classes, and Friday cribbage (where he was a fierce competitor). An avid "scrounger," Skip loved going out for early morning walks to find treasure, priding himself on his finds. He enjoyed growing and tending to his own vegetables and herbs, and had an abiding interest in astronomy. Skip loved the time he spent at Sabbathday Lake, New Gloucester, Maine, where his family summered since the 1920s.

A collector of bean pots, unusual cribbage boards, and interesting tools, Skip’s hobbies have included building furniture, digging for bottles, and making wooden toys for his grandchildren.

He adored his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren and often spoke of his pride in their accomplishments. Never short of words, jibes, or turns of phrase, his wit and wicked sense of humor will be missed by everyone who knew him.

Most of Skip’s life was spent doing hard, physical work, which carried into a strong, active, robust retirement, and he remained active until his last day.

Beloved husband of the late Helen B. (Rogers) Chandler. Loving father of Carole Kinkade of Maine, Craig Dupree of Pennsylvania, Pamela Chute and her husband Dana of Maine, Amy Nelson and her husband Barry of Foxborough and Susan Kimberly Vara and her husband Greg of Millis.

Devoted grandfather of Christopher, Edward, Matthew, Seth, Emily, Brittany, Colin, Simon, Ethan and Jackson and great grandfather of Collette, Drew and Ryan. Brother of Steve Chandler and his wife Natalie of New Gloucester, Maine. Skip is also survived by his dear friend Judith Griffin.

Funeral Information

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend calling hours on Wednesday, May 1, from 4-8 at the Roberts and Sons Funeral Home, 30 South St., Foxborough. A funeral service will be held on Thursday at 10 am at the funeral home. Interment to follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Foxborough. To light a candle in Skip’s memory please visit the funeral home website at www.robertsandsonsfuneralhome.com.

Donations Information

The family requests that donations be made to: The Friends of Foxboro Seniors, Inc. P.O. Box 116., Foxborough, MA 02035.