US Army veteran
MELROSE — Stanley E. Paine of Melrose, passed away on November 3 at age 92.
Stan served as a U.S. Army 10th Special Forces (Green Beret) Paratrooper during the Korean War and then joined the Massachusetts State Police, Troop E where he served for 23 years until retiring from the Weston barracks as a Lieutenant. He then became Director of Security for New World Bank headquartered in Boston leading investigations and security initiatives for another 12 years.
Stan grew up in Somerville and Winchester before meeting his wife Ruth on a blind date through friends. Always prioritizing his family over himself, he dedicated his life to being the very best husband and father he could be. His calming presence, strong moral compass and humility motivated friends, family, colleagues and even strangers to seek his sage advice for their personal challenges. His quick wit brought lots of laughter to the workplace and family get togethers.
Stan and Ruth raised their children Linda and Matthew in Melrose, Ruth’s lifetime home where Stan was a loyal attendee at Little League games, soccer matches, track-and-field competitions and countless Melrose YMCA and Melrose High School swim meets. He was a devoted member of First Baptist Church of Melrose, operating the elevator for those who needed assistance getting to and from the sanctuary.
In his teens, one of Stan’s jobs was as a pinsetter at a Somerville Bowling Alley. In his twenties, his purple Mercury sedan was his cherished vehicle. As a youth, Stan was not an avid student, however as an adult he dedicated himself intensely to his studies for Massachusetts State Police exams finishing at or near the top of his class every time to rise through the ranks to Lieutenant.
Stan enjoyed fitness, running, biking, healthy eating, gardening, reading and attracting birds with his various feeders, particularly cardinals. He always made family vacations special at lake cottages and inns in New Hampshire and Maine as well as trips to Nova Scotia, Walt Disney World, Bermuda and annual excursions to Deer Island, New Brunswick.
Beloved husband of Eleanor Ruth (Stuart) Paine with whom he shared 64 years of marriage. Devoted father of Linda L. Paine Hohn and her husband Thomas of Wexford, PA and Matthew S. Paine of Woburn; loving son of the late Arthur M. Paine and Lucille Dodier Paine; dear brother of the late Fernette Murphy and the late Barbara Barnes; and cherished by many nieces and nephews.
Stan’s kindness, compassion, humility and contagious humor will be deeply missed.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to gather in honor of Stanley’s life during visiting hours at the Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St., Melrose on Saturday, November 9 from 9 to 11 a.m. followed by his funeral service at 11 a.m. and interment with Military Honors by the U.S. Army in Puritan Lawn Memorial Park, Peabody. Donations in his memory can be made to First Baptist Church of Melrose, 561 Main St., Melrose 02176, melrosefbc.org or to the Alzheimer’s Association, alz.org. Visit robinsonfuneralhome.com.
