Obituaries
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January 1, 1970 - May 20, 2008
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Formerly of Hopkinton
Chester E. Ranlett, 88, died May 20, 2008 at his home in Eastham, MA.
Formerly of Hopkinton, He leaves his wife of 36 years, June (Grant) Ranlett, a stepdaughter Janice Greenwood, 3 stepsons, Richard Dwinnell and his wife Cheri of Maine, Ronald E. Dwinnell and his partner Ilene of Pennsylvania, and Randy Dwinnell who passed in 1978, four grandchildren and one great granddaughter.
Born in Lowell, he graduated from Lowell High School in 1939. After high school he worked for a Pontiac Agency and the Boston and Main Railroad maintaining steam engines. In 1942, Chester enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps. He was an aircraft and propeller expert on C-46 and C-47 transports in the Cairo, Egypt area of the war. Following his discharge in 1946 he joined the state Dept. of Conservation in Stowe, MA. In 1967 he joined the Hopkinton Fire Dept. and maintained their equipment for fifteen years before retiring in 1982.
He was an avid reader and collector of books and antiques. While living in Hopkinton he helped restore at 1700 Grist Mill and black smith shop.
Chester and his wife, June purchased the Old Eastham Town Hall Building in 1980, moving to Eastham in 1983. Upon moving to Eastham he joined the Eastham Historical Society and became involved in many aspects of the society. He served for seventeen years as vice president. In 1989 Chester founded the Ranlett Tool museum donating much of his personal tool collection. He served as its curator until his death. Chester also served on the Old Town Center Historical District for many years. Chester was also a member of the Nauset and Dennis Square Dance Club for many years.
He will be sorely missed by many.
A celebration of his life will be held at 2:00p.m. on Saturday, June 7, from the Chesmore Funeral Home of Hopkinton, 57 Hayden Rowe St. www.ChesmoreFuneralHome.com In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hopkinton Fire and Rescue Squad, 73 Main St. Hopkinton, MA. 01748 or VNA Hospice 255 Independence Drive Hyannis, MA 02601