Desmond S. Chambers

SOUTH DEERFIELD -Desmond Samuel Chambers, 85, of South Deerfield, died Thursday, November 24, 2011 at Charlene Manor Extended Care in Greenfield, MA. He was born June 3, 1926 in Cleveland, Ohio; the son of Samuel Reid Chambers and Margaret Boyd Chambers. Early on the family moved to Canton, Ohio where he graduated from Canton-McKinley High School. He went on to Case Institute of Technology and earned a BS degree in metallurgical engineering. In 1950 he was employed by Vanadium Alloys Steel Company in Latrobe, PA and was involved with the quality control of tool steels in the metallurgical laboratory and he remained with Vasco until 1970, rising to the position of Plant Manager of the Anchor Drawn Division of the company. In 1953 he married Ramona Leeper in the Woodlawn Presbyterian Church in Aliquippa, PA. The couple moved to Northfield, Massachusetts in 1971 where he accepted a position as Chief Metallurgist with Greenfield Tap and Die, retiring in 1986. During the time the family lived in Northfield, he joined the Northfield Trinitarian Church serving on the Diaconate, and a term as Moderator of the church. He was also an assistant treasurer of the church for several years. Mr. Chambers was active in the Northfield community through membership on the Northfield Elementary School Committee, the Library Board of Trustees and for several years, the Zoning Board of Appeals. In 2002 he and his wife moved to South Deerfield to be closer to their two children and their families. The couple enjoyed travel; their interest took them to Alaska, and Northwestern USA as well as the White Mountains and coastal Maine. He is survived by his wife, Ramona (Mona) Chambers, his son, David Samuel Chambers and his wife Lisa Kibbe Chambers of Springfield, MA; his daughter, Carol Chambers Anderson and her husband Donald Anderson of Florence, MA; one granddaughter, Kristin Elizabeth Anderson of Holyoke, MA; and his sister Florence Margaret Chambers of Bradenton, Florida. His greatest joy was in his family. Although a very private man, he lavished love upon his wife and children, imparting his wisdom through letters, phone calls and many acts of kindness. In the last thirteen years, be fought a courageous battle with polycythemia vera, a blood cancer. The disease clarified his values, giving him an understanding of just how precious is each human life. His faith sustained him through increasing loss of strength and energy. Memorial gifts may be directed to the Memorial Fund of the Trinitarian Congregational Church, 147 Main Street, Northfield, MA 01360 or Loaves and Fishes of Northfield; in care of Ruth Gallagher, Treasurer, 907 Millers Falls Road, Northfield, MA 01360. A Memorial Service will be held at the Trinitarian Congregational Church on December 10th at 2:00PM. A private burial will follow at a later date. New England Funeral & Cremation Center 25 Mill Street, Springfield, MA is assisting the family. For online condolences please visit www.nefcc.net

Desmond S. Chambers

June 3, 1926 - November 24, 2011