Philip L. Chase

Philip L. Chase, 87 slipped away peacefully late Thursday evening, October 21, 2021 at Otterbein Hospice, Perrysburg, OH. with his loved one Margie Shaffer by his side. He had recently joined the Otterbein Pemberville Community after having lived in Elmore for the past forty years. Philip was born August 26, 1934 in Hibbing, Minnesota to Philip L. and Mary Ellen (Fitzgerald) Chase. He graduated from Macomber Vocational School in 1952 in the electrical trades. Because of family hardships he, being the oldest of three children, worked all through his schooling and was not able to take advantage of any extra-curricular activities offered by Macomber. He went right to work at various jobs and eventually was employed by Toledo Edison. He was a “pole-climber” back in the day before bucket trucks. When the Psalm Sunday tornado ripped through Point Place in 1965, he was a part of that storm trouble restoration. While at Toledo Edison, he took classes at the University of Toledo and graduated with a degree in Psychology. While working on his degree he volunteered at Rescue, a suicide prevention group. He was called into service to assist a man who was on the High Level Bridge, Toledo threatening to jump. Philip walked up the cable to the top to be with the man. He sat and listened and eventually they both came down. Philip was extraordinary. He worked for the Toledo Board of Education for several years testing students and working with students with disabilities. He continued this work when he opened the Northwood Counseling Center on Woodville Road in Northwood, OH. He was in private practice for over 30 years having retired in 2005. He leaves behind his two beloved daughters: Michele (Tom Gulbranson) Chase of Gardnerville, NV and Bonnie (Jerry Cergol) Chase of Elyria, OH; grandchildren: Philip Chan (Kevin Call), Stephanie (Beau) Matus and Amorie Smith. Philip also leaves behind his beloved Margie Shaffer, his partner of 40 years. Margie Managed the Northwood Counseling Center for Philip. The two of them combined their work ethic to rehab rental properties, mostly in East Toledo. Margie’s children also mourn the loss of Philip. Those survivors include: daughters Julianne (Armando) Bejarano and Jennifer (Dan) Weirich, and Margie’s son Timothy. Their grandchildren include: Braden and Carmen Bejarano, Jordan (fiancé Edin Buvka) Williams and Casey Williams. Philip leaves behind a wonderful caring sister Barbara (Tom) Horgan and their children: Trish (Den) Bedard and Scott Horgan. Also nieces Peggy (Gerald) Morrison and Mary Pat Gilbert. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Richard Chase and dear nephew David Horgan. Philip was an extraordinary man with many talents and gifts. First and foremost he was a very caring father. His daughters adored him and have so many memories of growing up, having Phil reading them stories (Oh, how they loved books), camping out, going on road trips, but most importantly secure in the knowledge of his steadfast love and support for them no matter the circumstance. He was a good listener, artist, lover of opera and collector of classical music. He could also be seen at the bar singing karaoke with Margie. He learned to be somewhat of a sports fan going to various major league sporting events. Phil was always reading (until his eyesight failed him) about faith issues, health topics, and life in general. He was a fun Grandpa and always liked to play Simon Says with the grandkids. He was always ready to read with them and help with little projects. His rendition of “Oh, Danny Boy” was the highlight of many parties. Margie was so blessed to have Phil in her life for so many years. He was “the wind beneath her wings”. She knew and felt his love for her even in the last days as he was ebbing away. God Bless you, dear Philip. A Celebration of Life will begin at 11am Saturday, November 20, 2021 at Trinity Lutheran Church, 412 Fremont St., Elmore, OH 43416. The family will receive friends beginning at 10am until the time of the service at the Church. In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions may be given to the Cherry Street Mission, Samaritans Purse, or Trinity Lutheran Church. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.crosserpriesmanfuneralhome.com.