📖 Biography

Alexander Joseph Chagnon was born on March 22, 1915, in Burlington, Vermont, the eighth child of Narcisse “Nelson” and Delina (Bouchard) Chagnon. Raised in a close-knit French-Canadian family, he grew up learning the values of hard work, faith, and devotion to family that would guide him throughout his life.

On March 1, 1938, Alexander married Lucille N. Corron in Burlington, Vermont. Together they raised nine children—two sons and seven daughters—and were blessed with many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Alexander proudly served in the military before returning to civilian life and spending more than 34 years as a farmer, first in Essex Junction, Vermont, and later in New York and Pennsylvania. In 1969, he began working for Swayze’s Folding Box Company in Canton, Pennsylvania, where he remained until his retirement in 1981.

A devoted member of St. Michael’s Roman Catholic Church, Alexander was active in his church and community through the Holy Name Society, Beech Flats Grange, the International Association of Machinists, and other local organizations. He enjoyed playing the harmonica and spending time with his family and friends. Alexander passed away on September 18, 1992, in Canton, Pennsylvania, leaving behind a legacy of faith, hard work, and love for his family.