THORNDIKE — Henry Lester Chaffee Jr., 69, of Thorndike, passed away on April 7, 2016. Henry was born in Worcester, Mass., on Sept. 26, 1946, to Henry L. and Eliza A. (Delaney) Chaffee.

He left school to help his father build their home and was then drafted into the Army. After serving his country, he began his career as a diesel mechanic. He worked for the highway department in Massachusetts for 14 years and then plowing for 15 more. Henry retired to Maine in 2002 with his three youngest children, settling in the Liberty area. He plowed for the town of Montville and worked at Lake St. George State Park.

Henry enjoyed scratch tickets, playing dice at the casinos, camping and hunting and he really loved junking metals and other stuff. Most of all, he spent his time with family. His children remember him fondly for his tough love.

Henry was predeceased by his parents; and his brother, Richard Chaffee. He leaves behind his wife, Kathleen (Wheeler Chaffee) of Thorndike; his children, Joanne Chaffee and her fiancé, Jimmy Louyakis, and Suzann Gomes, all of Massachusetts, Leeann Gagnon of New York, Henry L. Chaffee III, and Brandi Chaffee and her fiancé, George Russell, all of Thorndike; and their mother, Denise Chaffee; his stepchildren, Jerry Newton of Bangor, Randy Newton of Dixmont, Chris Newton of Detroit and Josh Wheeler of Pittsfield; his sister, Marie Cooper of Massachusetts; numerous grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews and cousins; and his dog, Dixie.

Private services will be held at the convenience of the family.

Arrangements are under the care of Riposta Funeral Home.