John Joseph Chaite, successful developer
John Joseph Chaite, 78, of Rehoboth Beach, passed away peacefully Thursday, Oct. 26, 2017, at his home. He was born Friday, Aug. 18, 1939, in Washington, D.C., son of the late Arthur M. and Miriam (Siegel) Chaite.
John was raised in Chevy Chase, Md. He attended George Washington University after graduating from Brooks School in North Andover, Mass. John proudly served in the U.S. Army Reserves. He became a home builder in Northern Virginia, developing several communities in what is now the Oakton-Reston area as well as Alexandria, Va. Later in his career, John transitioned to commercial development, responsible for several restaurants and retail establishments throughout the Metropolitan D.C. area. John lived for 29 years in Old Town Alexandria.
John was an avid stamp collector and dealer throughout his life, taking him across the country and to Europe. At one point, John owned a stamp business along C&O Canal in Georgetown, Washington, D.C. He was an active member of American Stamp Dealers Association and American Philatelic Society.
After his retirement in 1999, John and his wife moved to Rehoboth Beach, where he enjoyed cooking, gardening and travel.
John is survived by his wife of 50 years, Melinda Chaite of Rehoboth Beach; son A. Maurice Chaite of Baltimore; daughter-in-law Cortney (Powell); grandchildren Maisie O'Neal and Alexander "Ryce" Chaite; and his brother Arthur M. Chaite of Altamonte Springs, Fla.
A Memorial Service will be held Thursday, Nov. 2, at 3 p.m., at Parsell Funeral Homes and Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Highway, Lewes, where friends may visit beginning at 2 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions in John's memory to Delaware Hospice, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963 or www.delawarehospice.org/donate, or Beebe Medical Foundation, 902 Savannah Road, Lewes, DE 19958 or www.beebemedicalfoundation.org.
Visit John's Life Memorial webpage and sign his online guest book at www.parsellfuneralhomes.com.
