CHASE, IRWIN J., 93, passed away Tuesday, May 5, 2020. He was the beloved husband of Phyllis (Freeman) Chase, they were married for 59 years. Born in Providence, he was a son of the late Martin and Helen (Newburger) Chase.
He is a graduate of Brown University. He was on the board of directors of Rhode Island Hospital Trust bank, and the International Mass Retailing Association. He was also a Rhode Island Commodore.
He was inducted into the RI Heritage Hall of Fame in 2009, and was co-founder of Ann & Hope, the 1st discount department store in America. Prior to starting their own businesses, Sam Walton (founder of Walmart) and Harry Cunningham (Kmart) each came to RI to study Ann & Hope’s pioneering discount department store concept. In its heyday, Ann & Hope employed 3,000 associates across RI and MA.
Irwin was a US Army infantry veteran, having served during WWII and was awarded the Bronze Star medal. He fought in Germany and Austria in Patton’s 3rd Army. His company was the first to cross the Rhine river in Germany, and was involved in the liberation of the Mauthausen concentration camp.
Besides his wife, he is survived by his son Michael Chase; son Bradley Chase and his wife Rebecca; brother Samuel Chase and his wife Eszter, sister Marjorie Torgan and her husband Philip; sister-in-law Ruthie Steinberg; and granddaughters Lauren, Madeline, Hannah, and Julia. He is predeceased by his brother-in-law L. Saul Alpert and brother-in-law Edward Steinberg. There was nothing more valuable to Irwin than his family. He will be remembered as a kind, humble, and generous man.
Due to current restrictions on public gatherings, his funeral services will be private. Arrangements are in the care of Sugarman-Sinai Memorial Chapel, Providence, RI. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to the Irwin J. Chase College Scholarship Fund at Temple Beth-El, or any charity of your choice. Cards may be sent to Phyllis Chase, C/O Ann & Hope, Inc., 1 Ann and Hope Way, Cumberland, RI 02864.
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