John J. Thing, of Melrose, formerly of 21 Wyoming/Oak Grove, Malden, died at home after a lengthy illness on Jan. 14, 2018 at the age of 54. John was born & raised in Malden and a graduate of Malden High School, Class of 1982. He went on to become a Licensed Master Electrician and worked for Scott Baker Electrical in Melrose for 13 years and also as a Property Manager for Peabody Properties in Melrose for 9 years. John resided in Malden until the age of 42 and the past 11 years in Melrose. He always very kind to everyone, had a heart of gold and enjoyed C. B. radios, computers and photography. John was "Mr. Fix It" and loved fishing, being the caretaker of the "Thing Halloween house" in Malden, being a color guard dad and spending time in Brownfield, ME and North Conway, NH. John was the loving father of Danielle Thing of Salem, NH & Samantha Thing of Lawrence. Cherished grandfather of Johnathan, Alyssa and Julianna. Best friend & soulmate of Christine M. Winer and her son Robert of Melrose. Beloved son of George C. & the late Beverly (Shivvers) Thing of Brownfield, ME. Caring brother of George C. Thing, Jr., & his wife Eileen of Exeter, NH, Kathleen A. Lewis & her husband Pat of Brownfield, ME, William P. Thing & his wife Zobeida of Wilmington and Daniel F. Thing & his wife Bonnie Kelly of Melrose. Also survived by many nieces, nephews, relatives & friends. Visiting hours will be held at the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster St., Melrose on Thursday, Jan. 18th from 4-8PM. Funeral services & burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in John's name to Dana Farber cancer Institute, 10 Brookline Place West, 6th Flr., Brookline, MA 02445.