John F. "Jack" Stratford Sr.

John "Jack" F. Stratford, Sr., 79, died Tuesday, Dec 9th in his home, after an illness.

He leaves his beloved and caring wife of 53 years, Arline B. (Banach) Stratford; one son, John F. Stratford, Jr., of Sutton; two daughters, Pamela A. wife of Timothy J. McLaughlin of Sutton and Laura L. Cassell of Florida. He also leaves four grandchildren, Marissa A. Patricks and husband Scott of Sutton, Jay T. McLaughlin and wife Christine of Millbury, Robert S. Cassell and Jacqueline S. Cassell both of Florida. He also leaves his best friend of many years, Bob Bernard of Millbury. He leaves several nephews, nieces and cousins.

He was born in Sutton and lived there all his life. He was the son of the late William and Rosealma (Joslin) Stratford. He was predeceased by his sister Rose Louis.

He served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. He was in the Fighter Squadron VF 21st, stationed in Oceana Virginia and assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Midway for tours of duty. Upon leaving the Navy he obtained his degree in Metallurgical Engineering.

He was previously employed by Reed and Prince of Worcester and JL Thompson of Waltham as a metallurgist. He was also previously employed by Mass Material Research of Worcester. He owned and operated Superior Sprayed Metals and later owned and operated Security Ironcraft from 1972 until the present time. He specialized in pipe and tubing bending for more than 35 years. He loved his work and a loved a challenge and it was said by many there wasn't anything he couldn't do.

In the 1980's he and his wife Arline became owners of Pine Grove Villa Nursing Home of Millbury. It had been a family owned business since 1936.

He was a member of the American Society of Metals, IPBA, Olive Branch Lodge of Masons in Millbury, Aleppo Shriners of Boston, and the Scottish Rite. He was also a corporator of Millbury Savings Bank. He also was a real estate broker. He was a member and collector of St. John's Church of Sutton.

He was a private pilot and was a member of National Aeronautical Assn. and the Aircraft Owner and Pilot Assn. He owned and flew his own amphibious plane and enjoyed taking his grandchildren for rides.

He and his wife Arline had many interests and hobbies. He was devoted to his children and grandchildren and saw most of them on a daily basis. He enjoyed helping others.

Calling hours are 5 to 8 PM, Friday, Dec. 12th in Mulhane Home for Funerals, 45 Main St. in Millbury. His funeral service and burial will be private. Members of the Olive Branch Lodge of Masons will meet at 7:30 p.m. Friday to conduct their ritual. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Shriners Hospital for Children, 51 Blossom Street, Boston, MA 02114. Condolence book and directions available at:

www.mulhane.com