Father, Friend, and Firefighter
Rupert Chaffee graduated from Portville in 1931 and from Ohio State in 1938, obtaining his degree
in mechanical engineering. Since returning to his home town, Mr. Chaffee has received enduring respect for his
work ethic and service to God, family, community, and country.
He was quarterback of the first interscholastic football team in Portville
and was captain of the first undefeated squad in school history. "Rupe" played basketball and baseball along side
his brother DeForrest, and he ran on the track team as well. He played one year of freshman football for the Buckeyes.
After college, Rupe worked faithfully for Clark Brothers (Dresser-Rand) until 1979, taking off 1942-47
to defend our freedoms as an Army Air-Corp officer in the Pacific Theatre. He started out as a 2nd lieutenant
and left as a major.
Mr. Chaffee joined the Portville Volunteer Fire Department in 1938, serving on the Board of Fire
Commissioners for 43 years. He was chairman from 1960 to 1998.
Rupert has been very active in the Portville United Methodist Church, serving on the finance committee
since 1938. He has been chairman of the pastor-parish committee as well.
He is also VP of the Chestnut Hill Cemetery Association and served one term as a village trustee.
Rupe was a Cub Scout pack master for five years, was active in the PTA, and continues to help others throughout the community
to this day.
Mr. Chaffee's wife Onnalee (deceased) was a PCS School Board member and very active in the community
as well. They have two sons, Lee ('66) and Lance ('69).
"My mother was active in the church and library in Portville," notes Lance, who is the head librarian
at the Olean Public Library. She was on the library board and did some teaching at PCS as well."
Rupert's father, Clifford Chaffee, "moved from the Farmersville-Chaffee area and settled on
Lillibridge" in the early 1900s, according to Lance.
