John Bena Jr. passed away at the E.N. Rogers Memorial Veterans Hospital on January 26, 2015. He was 93 years of age. John was born in Middleborough on July 14, 1921 to the late Giovanni & Elisia (Pipi) Bena. He was raised in Middleborough and graduated from Middleborough High School. John was an accomplished violinist, playing in the his own band since junior high school. After high school John joined the US Coast Guard and served his country with pride during WWII in both the European Theater & the Pacific Theater, mostly on the USS General Gordon, a troop transport ship. While in the service, Mr. Bena started a band and played the violin for the 3 years entertaining the troops during WWII. John was a real estate broker for over 40 years. He owned and operated the John Bena & Company in Arlington for many years and then after his retirement he continued to work for Pennell & Thompson Real Estate Company in Arlington. John was a resident of Stoneham for the past 38 years, was a past president of the Kiwanis Club in Arlington and the Arlington Chamber of Commerce, a member of Bellevue Golf Club in Melrose. Mr. Bena was also a member of the Massachusetts Association of Realtors, a member of the Greater Boston Real Estate Board and a founding member of Multiple Listing Service. John was a dedicated family man; he enjoyed playing bocce and was described by all that knew him as "a true gentleman". He was the beloved husband of 38 years to Diane (Giovino) Bena. Loving father of Peter Bena & his wife Ruth of CA, John Bena III of Marshfield, Philip Bena & his wife Brenda of Maryland and Cynthia Paglia & her husband Mark of AZ. Cherished grandfather of Aletheia, Philip, Alison, Sean, Ryan and Taryn. Also survived by several nieces, nephews and friends. Visitation will be held at the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster St. Melrose on Wednesday, February 4, 2015 from 4:00-7:00PM. Funeral from the Gately Funeral Home on Thursday, February 5th at 9:00AM, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Patrick's Church, 71 Central St. Stoneham at 10:00AM. Burial at the VA National Cemetery in Bourne on Friday. WWII Coast Guard Veteran. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in John's name to the Bedford VA Hospital, Attention: G.R.E.C.C. Alzheimer's Unit, 62cd/music, 200 Springs Rd. Bedford, MA, 01730