Published in the December 1, 2017 edition
MELROSE — John F. “Franny” Stanton, 73, passed away at Melrose-Wakefield Hospital on November 20, 2017.
He was born in Melrose on December 10, 1943, to the late Michael and Agnes (Leonard) Stanton. Franny was raised in Melrose, graduated from Melrose High School and entered the U.S. Marine Corps in 1962, served his country with pride and was a Vietnam War era veteran.
After his discharge from the service Mr. Stanton joined the Melrose Police Department in 1965 as a patrolman and retired in 1998 at a lieutenant and a patrol commander.
A lifelong resident of Melrose, Franny loved spending time at his second home on Highland Lake in Washington, NH, and was active with the Friends of the Woods. It was important to him to protect the conservation land around the lake. Mr. Stanton enjoyed riding ATV’s around the woods and going out boating on the lake. He also enjoyed spending time in Bonita Springs, Florida during the winter.
Franny was the husband of the late Janet R. (MacLeod) Stanton. He was the father of Laura A. Stanton of Windham, NH, and Melrose Police Officer Kevin J. Stanton of Melrose. He was the brother of the late James F. Stanton and late Joseph Stanton. He was the uncle of Jimmy and John Stanton of Melrose. He was the great uncle of Shawn, Ryan, Kelly, Jessica and Maryanne.
Visitation was held at the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster St., Melrose, on Monday, November 27, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Funeral procession was from the Gately Funeral Home on Tuesday, Nov. 28, at 9 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Mary’s Church, Herbert Street, Melrose at 10 a.m.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in Franny’s name to Hallmark Health VNA Hospice, 178 Savin St., Suite 300, Malden, MA 02148. To send a message of condolence please visit www.gatelyfh.com
