Chasen, Lee R.

Description

Richard Lee Chasen

Richard Lee “Dick” Chasen was born on April 14, 1925, in Port Chester, New York, to Elizabeth “Betty” “Bessie” Edith Fish Chasen, age 30, and Merwin Joseph Chasen, age 28.

Dick was a graduate of Mamaroneck High School. In Rye his family lived at 24 Overdale Road in Greenhaven.

Dick enlisted and served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He served with the 10th Mountain Division of the Army for three-and-a-half years, including duty in Italy.

“The first element went into the line in the Appennine Mountains on January 9, 1945 and all the Division was committed before the end of the month. For several weeks, they showed their stuff in long range patrolling deep into the enemy lines, some of them getting a chance to use their -skiis, but if the public has visions of thousands of white-clad figures racing downhill with tommy guns rattling, they will be disillusioned. Most of the snow has gone and the most characteristic performance by these boys is taking loads that would break lesser mens backs, going up steep trails where even the mules refuse to go.”
PAGE EIGHT THE RYE CHRONICLE Friday, March 2, 1945

He was promoted to the rank of sergeant with the Fifth Army in Italy. He was an assistant squad leader with the 85th Infantry Regiment (Read Regimental History) of 10th Mountain Division..

After the war, Dick returned to school and graduated New York University. He married Hermine Anne Brause on June 17, 1951, in New Rochelle, New York.

He worked for an advertising agency in New York City and White Plains, NY. In 1987 he was granted a patent for a combination pasta and vegetable tongs.

Richard Lee “Dick” Chasen died on December 21, 1996, at the age of 71.