Obituary of Francisco Chaires

Francisco Rafael “Frank” Chaires, a 21 year veteran of the United States Air Force passed away on Thursday evening, August 7, 2014 with his family at his bedside. He was 74 years old. Frank was born and raised in El Paso, TX. He was the son of the late Angel and Estela Chaires. After high school Frank enlisted in the Air Force. He proudly served his country for 21 years and retired as a Technical Sergeant. During his career he served on Air Force Bases in North Dakota, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, Pakistan, and Spain. During most of his tour of duties, he brought along his family, setting up new residences and introducing them to different languages and cultures. He was the recipient of the Air Force Commendation Medal with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters, the Air Force Good Conduct Medal with 5 Oak Leaf Clusters, Small Arms Expert Marksman Ribbon, Air Force Longevity Service Award with 4 Oak Leaf Clusters, the National Defense Service Medal, and Air Force Outstanding Unit Award. After his discharge he worked as a civilian contractor at Hanscom Air Force Base in the Housing Maintenance Department. He enjoyed his work, coworkers, and working with the active duty members of the Air Force and their families. He retired after working 25 years as a contractor. Frank was active in his community. He was a member of the Masons and was associated with the Simon W. Robinson Lodge in Lexington and the Frank W. Thompson Lodge in Bedford. He was a longtime member of the Shriners and a member of their Motor Patrol. It was a bit comical to see a man of such big stature driving the mini cars in parades. Frank always said it was easy to get into the car, it was getting out of the pint size car was the problem. But nonetheless it was fun, supported the Shriner’s Burn Institute, and made the children along the parade routes smile. What Frank loved most was being at home surrounded by family. He spent hours maintaining his home, puttering around, and tending to his garden. He enjoyed fishing. Sunday dinners were a family tradition. He was an adoring husband to his wife Gisele for 47 years. He was a supportive and encouraging father to his 3 sons and daughter. The biggest gift his children gave him were his 9 grandchildren. He loved being their “Papa”. He was bit of a mischievous grandfather; always teasing, joking, and making his grandchildren laugh and smile. Other than Frank’s size, sometimes it would be difficult to distinguish who was the adult when he was off playing with the kids. His family brought him so much joy and lovingly cared for him during his illness. Frank was the beloved husband of Gisele (Godbout). He was the loving father of Rafael & his wife Sharon of Lowell, Andre & his wife Karen of Woburn, Stefan & his wife Sara of Melrose, and Denise Gracie & her husband Jim of Woburn. Brother of Elma Esparsa, Jose Angel “Nuni” Chaires, Cecilia & Eddie Valdez all of El Paso, TX, and the late Yolanda Aspera. Proud Papa to Tyler, Breann, Justin, Amanda, Ayden, Amy, Gavin, & Harrison Chaires and Noah Gracie. Visiting hours will be held at the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., BURLINGTON (exit 34 off Rt. 128/95, Woburn side) on Sunday, Aug. 10 from 3-6 p.m. concluding with funeral service at 6 p.m. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited. The interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Frank’s name may be made to VNA of Middlesex East, 607 North Avenue, Suite 17, Wakefield, MA 01880