Morris "Chick" Chase's Obituary
Morris “Chick” Chase
July 16, 1923 – May 25, 2026
Morris “Chick” Chase passed away peacefully on May 25, 2026, in his home in Boca Raton, Florida, just two months shy of his 103rd birthday. A beloved father, grandfather, stepfather, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, cousin, and friend, Chick lived a remarkable life defined by courage, resilience, humor, family, and service.
Born Morris Chakansky on July 16, 1923, in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, Chick grew up in a large, close-knit Jewish family. Throughout his long life, he carried with him the values of family, community, warmth, hard work, and quick wit. He had a gift for making people feel welcomed and remembered, whether at a family table, in his neighborhood, at his workplaces, or later in the Florida communities of Wynmoor Village in Coconut Creek and Five Star at The Pointe at Boca Raton, where he built deep friendships.
During World War II, Chick served with honor in the United States Army Air Forces. Assigned to the 8th Air Force, he flew combat missions over Europe aboard B-17 bombers. In late 1944, during his 27th bombing mission over Germany, his aircraft was hit and exploded in midair. Chick survived being blown from the plane, sustaining serious injuries, including a broken leg. He was captured by German forces and endured the remainder of the war as a prisoner of war until liberation in 1945.
His survival was extraordinary, but Chick never saw himself as extraordinary. Like so many of his generation, he spoke of his service with humility and carried a deep reverence for those who did not return home. His courage, sacrifice, and perseverance remained a source of pride and inspiration to his family throughout his life.
After the war, Chick returned home and built a full and meaningful life. He became a devoted family man and a familiar presence in the community. For many years, he ran his liquor store, and later, served as a property management agent, where he worked hard, built lasting relationships, and became a neighborhood fixture. He had an easy way with people and an unforgettable personality: sharp, funny, generous, observant, and always ready with a story or a perfectly timed remark.
Chick’s family will remember him not only for his bravery, but for his humor and larger-than-life presence. He was the center of countless family stories: holidays filled with food and laughter, quick one-liners at the dinner table, and moments of tenderness that revealed his deep love for those closest to him. He was strong, stubborn, caring, funny, complicated, and deeply human. To know Chick was to have a story about him.
In later life, Chick continued to serve others through his involvement in civic and community life in Florida. He served on Coconut Creek’s Zoning and Planning Board and had several leadership roles in his beloved Wynmoor community. He became known as a true gentleman and a connector of people, treating others with warmth, respect, and kindness. Even into his later years, he remained engaged with the world around him and deeply loved by those who knew him.
Chick lived through more than a century of American history. He experienced war and survival, loss and renewal, family and friendship, hardship and joy. His life stands as a testament to endurance, courage, love, and the power of showing up for one’s family and community.
He is survived by his wife, Ina Chase; daughter, Arlene Zucker; his grandchildren, Lisa Chase, Nathan Chase, Jordan Chase, Zachary Zucker, and Jonathan Zucker; his brother-in-law, Martin Harper; his nephew, Luke Alter; his step-children Neil Silverman and Perry Silverman; his sister-in-law, Nancy Fink; his great-grandchildren, Gabby, Rory, Sophia, Isabella, Harper, and Copper; and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his daughter, Alice Chase; his son, Robert Chase; his brothers and sisters, Irene, Leah, Albert, Joey, and Esther; his brother-in-law, Paul Fink; his sister-in-law Vivian Alter, and other cherished family members and friends.
A funeral service will be held on June 4, 2026, from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM at Alexander Levitt Funeral Home, 8135 West McNabb Road, Tamarac, Florida 33321.
A cemetery service with military honors will follow on June 4, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 1:15 PM at South Florida National Military Cemetery, 6501 State Road 7, Lake Worth, Florida 33449.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Morris “Chick” Chase’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association or Fisher House Foundation.
May his memory be a blessing.
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