HAROLD CHAFFEE
Entrepreneur • Dad
T H E I R H E R O S T O R Y
Honoring Dad
When we think of Dad, words like courageous, determined, loyal, fearless, hardworking, steadfast, and loving come to mind. Dad taught us we could do anything if we put our minds to it! He wasn’t a big talker, but he taught by example. He was a man of action and loyalty, with a huge sweet spot for those he held dear.
He was quietly fearless. At 23, he built the home we grew up in while working two full-time jobs and raising two young children. Our home was his first construction project!
Dad and our mom built a successful business that still thrives today based on determination, grit, and hard work. Our mom, a lifetime non-swimmer, wanted an in-ground pool. When she went to a local dealer, she was told to come back with her husband. Instead, she found a local pool school, and our dad attended. My dad and our grandfather built his first in-ground pool in our yard from a kit.
The pool was amazing!
As neighbors and friends started asking Dad to build pools for them, my parents launched a pool business out of the house and our family station wagon. They ultimately purchased a swimming pool franchise, and Dad left the safety of his job. This business that was started over 50 years ago in our kitchen and at which we all have worked is still going strong. We didn’t realize until Dad passed how many local business owners were inspired, mentored, and encouraged by Dad and his example.
Dad often showed his love through acts of service: countless trips to the airport; drives from Houston to New York and back; snowy trips to St. Lawrence University to rescue Ginny; building decks and renovating houses with Charlie; and caring for Julie’s horses and dogs. Even in his 80s, he looked after anyone—and anything—that needed tending. Dad showed his love by helping us, and we could always count on him!
Dad was “Elvis Presley” handsome, yet humble and shy. He didn’t like to be the center of attention. He enjoyed a 65-year marriage to the love of his life, Mary, whom he always relied on and cherished. He was an avid reader and loved sharing books with fellow readers. In the winter months, when he wasn’t working in the pool business, he read several books a week.
He was a fisherman who loved the beach and often gave away his daily catch. He was fit and athletic all his life. He could run 6 miles well into his 70s, and he loved Goshen Rotary’s July 4th road races. He was a playmate to his children, enjoying skating, table tennis, tennis, bike riding, baseball, running, chess, and volleyball. He was always up for a game, and he made you earn a victory!
We are so blessed to have had such an amazing Dad who showed us strength, resilience, hard work, and love!
H O N O R E D B Y
The Chaffee Family