Lester F. Chace, 93, of Vero Beach, passed away on Thursday, March 24, 2022 at the VNA Hospice House.

Lester was born September 11, 1928 in Mattapoisett, Massachusetts to Malcolm and Etta (nee Coggeshall) Chace. He relocated to Vero Beach 18 years ago from New Bedford, Massachusetts. Moving to Florida allowed Lester to pursue his passion for playing golf. If he wasn’t out on the greens playing golf he was watching it on television. He would often say “Any day on the golf course is better than a day at work.”

Lester began his career in the automotive industry as a mechanic, and then in May of 1951 he joined the United States Army during the Korean War. He was deployed to Korea and served as an Ordnance Officer. He was invited to attend The United States Army Officer Candidate School but declined the offer. During his time in the Armed Forces he received the UN Service Medal; Korean Service Medal with 3 Bronze Service Stars. Following his military service Lester used the GI education bill to train for a career as a Parts Manager for automotive dealerships. He retired at the age of 62 after a successful 37 year career.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Malcolm and Etta and sister, Marion Chace.

Lester is survived by his wife of 70 years, Claire; son, Russel Chace of Vero Beach; daughter, Donna (Raymond) Desrochers of Vero Beach; granddaughters, Tracy, Kimberly and Rachel; great-granddaughters, Grace Marie and Raelynn; and sister, Bertha Day of Dartmouth, Massachusetts.

The family plans to inurn Lester at South Florida National Cemetery in Lake Worth, Florida in the near future.

Those that would like to share fond memories, golf stories and condolences for Lester’s family may do so at www.millenniumcremationservice.com. Arrangements are under the direction and care of Millennium Cremation Service of Vero Beach.