Ralph A. Hannabury, Sr. "Papa" of Melrose, Nov. 15, 2008. 85 years of age. Beloved husband of the late Ethel L. (Holmes) Hannabury died at home surrounded by his beloved family; daughter Jane Lavender & her husband James of Melrose, grandchildren Alison (Lavender) Fox & her husband Gregory of Bristol, RI, Jaclyn (Lavender) Bird & her husband Brian of Melrose & Jason Lavender of Melrose. He was the cherished great grandfather of Joseph & Anna Fox & Jake & Josh Bird. Also dear "father" to his beloved Serah Ngwa & her family of Chelsea, MA & dear loving friend of Regina Ngegong. Born on November 29, 1922 in Chelsea to the late Edward & Anna (Stevens) Hannabury, Papa was raised in Chelsea & his early childhood years were like most other families during the depression. During his high school years, the talk of war began. After graduating as valedictorian in 1940 from Boston Trade School, he went to work in the Boston Navy Shipyard, as there was talk of leasing ships to England to help in their war effort. Shortly after his two brothers joined the infantry, Papa enlisted in the Army Air Corps in 1942 and became an aerial gunner on a B-17 Flying Fortress. He served proudly in the 8th Air Force 401st Bomb Group & flew thirty-five successful missions. He was wounded in one mission and received a Purple Heart. He was credited with shooting down an enemy plane. He received a Distinguished Flying Cross, five Air Medals, a Purple Heart, several theater decorations and the Presidential Unit Citation. Mr. Hannabury retired in 1988 as a division manager in charge of labor arbitration for the New England Telephone Co. In his retirement he served as Chairman of the Melrose Personnel Board & as an independent arbitrator. After retirement and the passing of his beloved wife, papa lived with his daughter Jane & her husband Jim, his grandson Jason, his dear friends Serah & Regina & the many visitors each day. Papa cherished the busy household & loved spending holidays, birthdays & other celebrations with family & friends. His thoughtfulness & caring attitude kept him busy & happy-whether it was cutting out newspaper clippings he thought people would enjoy, planting in the garden, walking the dogs, making chicken sandwiches, ordering from catalogues or running errands to the post office, bank, dry cleaners or grocery store. He truly put everyone else first & would not hesitate if there was anything he could do to help. He was Papa not only to his grandson, but also to all his grandson's friends and loved to see the "gang" before Red Sox games. Papa's great love for life was apparent each day when he began to fall asleep in his chair every night, but refusing to go to bed because of his desire to stay up & not miss a beat. Caring brother-in-law to Doris Hannabury of Melrose & Carol Hannabury of Andover. Also survived by his son Ralph A. Hannabury, Jr. & his wife Mary of Boston & their family. Papa was preceded in death by his sister Phyllis Hannabury & brothers Edward, Francis & George Hannabury. Visiting hours in the Gately Funeral home 79 W. Foster St., Melrose on Tues. Nov. 18th from 4-8PM. Family & friends respectfully invited. Funeral Services will be private. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Ralph's memory may be made to the Mighty Eighth Air Force Museum c/o 175 Bourne Ave. Pooler, GA 31322. For directions, flowers or to sign guest book, visit www.gatelyfh.com Funeral Service: Private Private