Thomas F. Stanton passed away at Saugus Care & Rehabilitation Center on September 30, 2009, he was 83 years of age. Tom was born in Everett on September 29, 1926 to the late Thomas F. & Julia (Whitely) Stanton. He was raised in Roslindale, graduated from Roslindale High School, Class of 1944 where he played football, hockey, and track and was voted best athlete. After graduation he entered the US Navy and served on the USS Princeton #571 during WWII. Upon returning home after the war he played semi pro hockey for a few years. Mr. Stanton has been a Melrose resident for over 50 years. Tom worked as a claims investigator for the New Haven Railroad for 15 years, as personnel director for the City of Melrose for 10 years and then as the superintendent at Wyoming Cemetery in Melrose for 10 years. Mr. Stanton was a loving husband & father and a dedicated grandfather to his 13 grandchildren. He loved history, was an avid reader, enjoyed trips to Vermont and was a die hard Patriots, Red Sox, Bruins & Celtics fan. Tom was a member of the K of C in Melrose, the VFW Harold O'Young Post #2394 in Melrose, a member of the civil war round table and liked to make models & historical war figurines. He was the beloved husband of Arlene F. (Waters) Stanton. Loving father of Frank Stanton & his wife Gia of Fresno, CA, Frederick T. Stanton & his wife Maureen of Pelham, NH, Priscilla Pennacchio & her husband Frank of Melrose, Thomas P. Stanton & his wife Elizabeth of Lowell, Robert M. Stanton & his wife Kim of Revere, Ellen G. Stanton of Melrose, Michael E. Stanton & his wife Andrea of Salem, NH & Elizabeth A. "Lily" Houghton & her husband Jay of Townsend. Devoted grandfather of David, Brian, Steven, James, Mark, Allison, Jennifer, Matthew, Andrew, Angela, Kevin, Christopher & Kathryn. Great grandfather of Aidan Stanton. Caring brother of Richard M. Stanton of Waltham & the late Phyllis Lindgren. Also survived by several nieces, nephews, relatives & close friends. Funeral from the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster St. Melrose, on Monday Oct. 5th at 9AM. Funeral Mass in St. Mary's Church, Herbert St. Melrose, at 10AM. Family & friends are respectfully invited to attend. Visiting hours Sun. 2-6PM. Interment in Wyoming Cemetery, Melrose. Memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer's Assoc. 311 Arsenal St., Watertown, MA 02472 or Autism Speaks 99 Wall St., Princeton, NJ 08540.