Francis H. "Squirt" Chartier

Ware - Francis "Squirt" Chartier, 92, died on Tuesday, August 1, 2017 at Quaboag Rehabilitation and Skilled Care Center in West Brookfield.

He leaves his loving wife of 70 years, Helen (Jurczyk) Chartier; his was predeceased by his daughter, Donna Pulchtopek in 2013, and leaves his former son-in-law, Donald Pulchtopek; a son, Richard Chartier and his wife Denise of Florida; six grandchildren, Michael Pulchtopek and his wife Melissa, Chris Pulchtopek and his wife Michele, Dawn Piechota and her husband John, Paul Chartier and his wife Jodi, Dennis Chartier and his wife Vanessa, and Richard Chartier and his wife Marretje;  seven great-grandchildren, Molly and Douglas Pulchtopek, Corey, Kyle, Dylan, and Jana Chartier, and Sean Piechota.  He was predeceased by his siblings, Roy, Gerald, Mae Alice, and Estelle.  Francis was born in Ware, son of the late Hector and Dorine (Brunelle) Chartier, and was a life long resident of Ware.

Squirt was career chef and caterer.  He worked for the University of Massachusetts in Butterfield Hall for over 15 years, before retiring in 1990.

Squirt was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, who will be missed by all those whose lives he touched most.  He loved his large, extended family of grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Squirt was a long time parishioner of St. Mary’s Parish, a member of the Knights of Columbus, the Weir River Social Club, St. Mary's Mens’ Guild, and the Ware Athletic Club.  He was also a former youth sports coach and umpire, an avid New York Yankees fan, and loved trips to the casino.    

A Funeral Mass for Francis will be held on Saturday, August 5, 2017 at 10:00 AM in St. Mary’s Church, 60 South St., in Ware.  Everyone is asked to go directly to the church.  Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery following the Mass.  Calling hours will be held on Friday, August 4, 2017 from 4:00 to 6:00 PM in the Varnum Funeral Home, Inc., 43 East Main St., West Brookfield.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Ware High School Booster Club, P.O. Box 1441, Ware, MA 01082.

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