Jonathan Stanley Chase

Jonathan “Jon” Stanley Chase died on August 25, at the age of 69. Born on January 10, 1957, in New York, NY, to Jack and Rita Chase, Jon grew up in Ardsley, NY and attended Michigan State University, where he graduated with a degree in packaging engineering. He shared 44 years of marriage with the love of his life, Cindy Makstein Chase. Together they built a beautiful life and raised their family between Ridgefield, CT and West Dover, creating a home filled with love, laughter, adventure, and countless memories.

Jon had a knack for adventure and adrenaline and an affinity for anything that could rev, run or go fast. Boats, Jet Skis, snowmobiles, ATVs—anything that moved. He taught his children to ski and bike, coached their youth sports teams, and shared his love of the outdoors and adventure with his family. Vermont held a particularly special place in his heart, where he spent many happy years skiing, working at the mountain, and spending time with close-knit family friends. He was also a proud Michigan State Spartan and devoted Jets fan, passing that loyalty on to his family, even when it meant enduring plenty of painful Sunday afternoons.

At 6’4” and 240 pounds, Jon was physically imposing, but it was his personality that truly made him larger than life. He was a force, with a boisterous, contagious laugh, a huge heart, and a generosity that knew few limits. He was fiercely loyal, deeply caring, and the kind of person who would lend a hand, make the donation, show up for a friend or take on a challenge.

Jon brought that same spirit to the Pan-Mass Challenge, becoming a rider for 39 years and personally raising more than $2.5 million for Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in the fight against cancer. He was not only a rider, but a dedicated volunteer, sponsor, and donor, helping wherever he was needed—including running merchandise and supporting the many behind-the-scenes efforts that made the event possible. The PMC became an important part of the Chase family’s lives and reflected so much of who Jon was: hardworking, generous, determined, and always willing to show up and help. His greatest legacy will be the people he loved, the lives he touched, and the countless memories he leaves behind.

Jon will be deeply missed by his beloved wife, Cindy; his children, Matthew (Jill) and Amanda (Emmet); his grandchildren, Gavin and Hayley; his sister, Teri Goldstein (Larry); his extended chosen family; and his many friends who were lucky enough to know him. His memory will live on in the stories, adventures, laughter, and love that he gave so generously to all of them.

Celebrations of life are being held privately. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Pan-Mass Challenge in Jon’s name. Online donations can be made to https://donate.pmc.org/JC0009; checks can be made out to “PMC” and addressed to: Jon Chase JC0009, Pan-Mass Challenge, 77 Fourth Avenue, Needham, MA, 02494.

In the words of a quote that feels especially fitting for a man who lived life as fully as Jon did, “Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.” Jon created a lifetime of those moments, and those who loved him will carry them forever.