Louis Daniel Chicoine "Captain Chic", 77, passed away October 28, 2022 after a courageous battle with cancer. The devoted husband for 52 years to Barbara, the loving father to Mark and Michele, and the adoring grandfather to Cameron and Ashton was an integral part of countless friends’ and family members’ lives.

Dan, born in Somerville, MA on June 17, 1945 to Mildred (Crowley) and Alfred Chicoine, was preceded in death by his four older brothers and one sister. In 1964 he graduated from Somerville High School. At 19, he enlisted to proudly serve our country in the U.S. Army Airborne Infantry where he was based in Okinawa. Dan was a member of the 173rd Airborne Brigade–the first soldiers on the ground in The Vietnam War. After returning from the war, he attended two years of college and went on to learn and teach others how to fly. He spent 35 illustrious years in Aviation, proudly retiring as Captain Chicoine with American Airlines (previously US Airways). “Best job in the world,” he often said.

Dan wrote a book documenting his youth, jump school, and Vietnam. The veteran loved sharing his stories and has entrusted his children to bestow his stories to others.

An excerpt from his book–the inspiration behind jumping from an airplane:

The following days and weeks after the assassination of JFK my friends and I would discuss it. We thought it was probably the Russians or the Cubans who killed him and war was sure to follow. During this time one of the older guys from the block was home on leave from the Army. I did not know him well but I saw him a couple of times and I was totally impressed with how he carried himself and how great he looked in his uniform with his Jump Wings on his chest and his 82nd Airborne patch on his left shoulder. I knew right then that when I graduated high school in a few months I would join the Army and jump out of airplanes and maybe someday be as sharp as he was. As graduation approached I was sure I did not want to go to college or go to work. I would join the military as had my four older brothers before me.

Displaying a symbol of pride, Dan wore his Vietnam War hat each day and was honored to strike up conversations with fellow veterans. Leading by example he always took the time to thank a fellow veteran for his or her service to America.

He wrote:

Many years later in 2006, back in the states, Big & Rich, a country singing duo were giving a concert, and they met a 173rd Paratrooper, Sergeant Niles Harris, who was in that battle–Operation Hump. After meeting and talking to this soldier they made a great song about that battle called "The 8th of November”.

In honor of Dan and those who lost their lives in Vietnam, please listen to this song. It was one of Dan's favorites.

Dan was a family man in the truest sense of the word. He adored his wife, children, nieces, nephews and friends. He was also the glue that kept the extended family together. For almost 25 years he organized summer and winter parties that included cookouts, pool tournaments, and water games. He attended every dance recital and sporting event for his children when they were young. He coached, led boy scouts, and put on magic shows and scary masks at birthday parties. He loved being a father to his own two children and being a father figure to many others.

Dan lived his life to the fullest right up until the end. He was adventurous and a risk taker. He picked up golf at age 35 and played consistently. He loved poker and played Texas Hold’em often. He always tried to make everything more interesting by putting a bet on the line. He loved staying active by running, riding his bike, and pumping iron. He caught 32 alligators by their tails; yes you read that right! He went skydiving on his 75th birthday. He loved watching the sunrise, looking at the moon, and seeing the planes flying overhead.

He will be deeply missed by all who knew him, but he will be remembered for his loving heart, generous spirit and his endless adventures and stories. Dan, Captain Chic, Chic, Mr. Chic, Dad and Uncle Danny - We Love You.

HIGH FLIGHT

by John Gillespie Magee

Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of Earth and danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings; Sunward I’ve climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth of sun-split clouds, – and done a hundred things you have not dreamed of – wheeled and soared and swung high in the sunlit silence. Hov’ring there, I’ve chased the shouting wind along, and flung my eager craft through footless halls of air… Up, up the long, delirious burning blue I’ve topped the wind-swept heights with easy grace where never lark, or ever eagle flew –and, while with silent, lifting mind I’ve trod the high untrespassed sanctity of space, Put out my hand, and touched the face of God.

Dan’s Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, November 11, 2022, Veteran’s Day, at the Portsmouth Country Club, 80 Country Club Lane, Greenland, NH.

In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in memory of Dan to support brain cancer research and patient care at: dana-farber.org/gift.

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