John F. "Jack" Denley, a life long resident of Melrose and a Retired Melrose Police Detective Sergeant, died on Saturday, August 15, 2009 at the Melrose Wakefield Hospital. He was 84 years old. Born on April 10, 1925 in Melrose to the late Carl & Madeline Denley, he was a graduate of Melrose High School, class of 1942. Mr. Denley enlisted in the United States Navy and received the Purple Heart for his service during World War II. He joined the Melrose Police Department after the war and worked his way up to Detective Sergeant, retiring in 1989 after 38 years. Jack went back to school during his career with the Melrose Police and earned his Associate of Science Degree with Honors from Bunker Hill Community College in May of 1986. He was head of the Melrose Civil Defense during the Blizzard of 1978 and a Special Deputy with the U.S. Marshall's Office from 1991-1998. He was a member of St. Mary's Church of Melrose, the Moose Club and the VFW. He enjoyed watching the Red Sox, Patriots, and Bruins, working in his garden, reading, National Geographic, dancing, fishing and his dog Sam. He was the devoted husband of the late Lillian R. (Foggin) Denley, with whom he shared 60 years of marriage. Jack was the loving father of Susan E. DeStefano & her late husband John of Westford, Brian W. Denley & his wife Susan of Melrose, Patricia A. Skane & her late husband Steven of Reading & John W. Denley & his wife Ann Marie of Sterling. Cherished grandfather of Jennifer, Matthew, Rebecca, Rachael, John Michael, Kelsey & Jack. Great grandfather of Ivy, Miles, Joshua, Philip, Nicholas, Andrew, Brian & Connor. Caring brother of the late Madeline Ruth Toomey & Robert Denley. Step brother of Edward Duggan & his wife Sandra of Sudbury. Also survived by several nieces & nephews. Funeral from the Gately Funeral Home 79 W. Foster St., Melrose on Thursday, August 20th at 8AM. Funeral Mass in St. Mary's Church, Herbert St., Melrose at 9AM. Family & friends respectfully invited. Visiting hours Wednesday 4-8PM. Interment in Wyoming Cemetery, Melrose with Military Honors. Arrangements by The Gately Funeral Home of Melrose. Contributions in Jack's memory may be made to Multiple Sclerosis Society New England Chapter 101A 1st Ave. Waltham, MA 02451. For directions, flowers or to sign guest book, please visit www.gatelyfh.com