ATHOL, MA – Elvin L. Chartrand, 86, of Exchange Street, died unexpectedly on Monday, January 26, 2026 at Athol Hospital after being stricken ill while snowplowing with his Bobcat.
Born in Fitchburg on October 20, 1939, he was the son of Joseph and Lucy (Thompson) Chartrand and grew up in Lunenburg, graduating from Lunenburg High School.
Elvin was married to Anna ((Orlow) who died February 26, 2023. Elvin was previously married to Dorothy (Goodnow-Daley) Chartrand who died in 1995.
Elvin devoted much of his life to work that kept him connected to both people and his community. He spent many years as a truck driver, traveling cross country and operating an oil truck, before bringing his experience to the Town of Athol Department of Public Works. He served for many years on the Town of Athol Zoning Board and was well known locally as the owner of Chartrand’s Bike Shop. In addition, he was a property manager in town for over 50 years.
Elvin had been a member of the Tully City Council Club for many years helping with suppers, Halloween and New Year’s Eve parties and building the hall addition.
He enjoyed watching Westerns, repairing bicycles, car mechanics, and restoring buildings.
Elvin is survived by his children, Eleanor Hughes of South Carolina, Diana Chartrand of Athol and Scott Chartrand of Massachusetts; step children, Marcia Fernald of Shirley, Michael Daley of Rio Rancho, New Mexico, Murray Daley of Boise, Idaho, Mark Daley of Springfield, Vermont, Melissa Martin of Anchor Point, Alaska and Melinda Leavitt of Athol. He also leaves many grandchildren and great grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; his siblings, Elroy Chartrand of Norridgewock, Maine, Eliot Chartrand of South Hadley, Massachusetts, Elton Chartrand of Little Rock, Arkansas, Linda Bricker of Ocean Shores, Washington, and Judith Karkane of Lunenburg, Massachusetts.
Besides his parents, Elvin was predeceased by a brother, Erwin Chartrand and a sister, Betty Orlow.
There are no calling hours
A celebration of life will be held at a later date and time to be announced.
Interment in Silver Lake Cemetery, Athol, will be private.
Witty’s Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange, is assisting the family.
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