John A. "Jack" Stanley, of Melrose, died on February 29, 2016 at the age of 93. Jack was born in Malden on March 23, 1922 to James and Ellen (Murray) Stanley. He was raised in Malden and graduated from the Medford Vocational School. Jack spent a few years as a sheet metal worker at the Charlestown Navy Yard before joining the Marines. He served honorably during WWII in the United States Marine Corps from 1944 to 1946. Not long after the war, Jack married the love of his life, Rita A. (Maher) Stanley, in 1951 at Most Blessed Sacrament Church in Wakefield. They settled down in Melrose to raise their family, and remained in Melrose for the past 60 years. Also after the war, Jack spent seven years attending night school at Northeastern University to earn his Bachelor's Degree, an accomplishment he was very proud of. He went on to work as a Program Analyst for the U.S Air Force at Hanscom Air Force Base, where he worked until he retired. Jack was a familiar face at Mt. Hood Golf Course where he spent much time golfing. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus as well as the Holy Name Society at St. Mary's Church where he taught CCD. Most importantly, Jack loved his family very much, his seven kids kept him very busy. He was easy going and a had a dry sense of humor. Jack was also very handy, he painted the outside of his house at least three times by himself and also built the backyard at their family home. Spending time with his family is what mattered most to Jack. He will be missed greatly. Jack was the beloved husband of Rita A. (Maher) Stanley. Loving father of Patricia Elsea & her husband James of N. Billerica, Brian Stanley & his wife Yong of Las Vegas, Elaine Stanley of Melrose, Diane Emery & her husband Chip, of Melrose, Laura Paquette & her husband Scott of Wilmington, Jane McGrath & her husband Chris of San Diego, CA and Andrew Stanley & his husband Richard Whale of London England. Cherished grandfather of 7 grandchildren. Brother of the late Walter Stanley and the late William Stanley. Visitation will be held at the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster St., Melrose on Friday, March 4th from 4-7PM. Funeral from the Gately Funeral Home on Saturday, March 5th at 8AM, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Mary's Church, Herbert St., Melrose at 9AM. Relatives & friends are respectfully invited to attend. Interment at Puritan Lawn Cemetery, Peabody. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the General Fund at the Chelsea Soldier's Home 91 Crest Ave., Chelsea, MA 02150 or call 617-887-7115.