John F. Claire, 69, died Wednesday at Lawrence Memorial Hospital, after a lengthy illness. Born and raised in Manchester NH, he graduated from Christopher Columbus High, entered the Army, served in the Korean War and was discharged with the rank of Sgt. John was a longtime Melrose resident who was a car salesman at Smyly Buick, Malden. He was a member of St Mary's Church the Melrose Elks. Son of the late Frederick & Ann ( Watts) Claire. Father of Annmarie Claire of Malden, William F. Claire of FL. and Nancy Russo & her husband Frederick of Salem NH. Grandfather of Rebecca, Rachael, Meaghan, Nicholas, Emily, Anthony, Suzanne and Andrew. Brother of Robert Claire of Woburn, Joan McGonagle of No. Reading, Mary Jane Doucette of Saugus and Jerry Claire of Wilmington. Also survived by many nieces and nephews. Funeral from the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W Foster St Melrose on Saturday June 7, at 8 AM. Funeral Mass in St Mary's Church, corner of Herbert & Myrtle Sts, Melrose at 9 AM. Relatives and friends invited. There are no visiting hours. Burial will be in Wyoming Cemetery, Melrose, Korean War Veteran. Visitation: No Visitation No Visitation