Charles W. "Chip" Bachelder

ATHOL- Charles W. “Chip” Bachelder, 80, of Chestnut Hill Avenue, went home to his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ late Wednesday evening, July 16, 2025 at the Odd Fellows Home in Worcester.

Born in Gardner on May 7, 1945, he was the son of the late Clarence and Barbara (Frost) Bachelder and grew up in Athol graduating from Athol High School in 1963. He later moved to Gardner where he lived 40 years before returning to Athol.

On September 27, 1966, Chip enlisted in the United States Army and served during the Vietnam Conflict and was honorably discharged on September 25, 1970.

On August 20, 2011, he married Sandra (Walkama) and enjoyed over 13 years of marriage.

Chip had worked as a truck driver for several companies and previously had driven bus for Wright Bus Lines, and had also been owner of the Beech Company.

Chip enjoyed woodworking and doing construction projects, but most importantly time spent with his grandchildren and family. He played Suduko, enjoyed working outside, and was a good baker of bread and pies.

Chip was a member of the Athol Legion and the VVA, as well as had been a coach and vice president in the Greater Gardner Hockey Association.

Survivors include his wife, Sandra Bachelder of Athol; his children, Stephanie Bachelder of Athol, Richard Bachelder and his wife Carol of Gardner, Christopher Bachelder of Gardner and Heidi Sugalski and her husband Derek of Ashland. He also leaves grandchildren, Derrek Bachelder of Gardner, Robert Bachelder of Gardner and Julia Sugalski of Ashland; sisters, Ann Perham and husband Brad of Londonderry, NH, Susan Cloutier and husband Ray of Orange and Nancy Reed and husband Duncan of Florida; and several nephews and nieces.

Besides his parents, Chip was predeceased by a sister, Sharon Haney, and brothers Philip Bachelder and Lane Bachelder.

Calling hour on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, from 10-11 a.m. at Witty’s Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange.

A funeral service will be held on Tuesday July 29, 2025 at 11 a.m. at Witty’s Funeral Home in Orange.

Interment will follow at 1 p.m., in the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 111 Glenallen Street, Winchendon.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Chip’s memory to the Starrett Memorial United Methodist Church, 40 Island Street, Athol, MA 01331.

Witty’s Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange, is assisting the family.

WWW.WITTYFUNERALHOME.COM

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