John A. Staples "Jack" 79, of Amesbury formerly of Melrose and Newburyport died at his home May 15, 2014.
He was the beloved son of the late Chester and Gertrude (Brophy) Staples, devoted brother of Elizabeth (Edward) Deveau of Yarmouth Nova Scotia, Trudy (Donald) Desfosse of Chelmsford, Rita M (and the late Henry) Brochu of Natick, and the late Mary E. Sheridan of Melrose.
He was the loving uncle of 11 nieces and nephews and many grandnieces and nephews.
John was a dedicated employee in the Food Service Department at the Melrose Wakefield Hospital for 25 years and later at McDonalds in Newburyport for 11 years. At his retirement party at the age of 65, his advice to fellow employees was “work hard and save your money”.
He was a member of the Newburyport Lodge of Elks, and enjoyed participating in Civil War Reenacting Units as a member of the 5th Massachusetts Battery.
John was an avid sports fan, especially the Boston Red Sox, and participated in the Massachusetts Special Olympics.
Mr. Staples was an advocate for improved mental health in Massachusetts and was a key member of the drive petitioning State Legislators to change the name to the current Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services from the previous Department of Mental Retardation.
Funeral from the John Everett and Sons Funeral Home 4 Park Street, at Natick Common on Tuesday May 20, at 9:00 A.M. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St Patrick Church Natick at 10:00 A.M.
Visiting hours Monday 5:00 to 8:00 P.M, Interment St Patrick Cemetery.
Expressions of sympathy may be made in John's memory to Turning Point Inc. 5 Perry Way Newburyport MA 01950.
For directions or to send the Staples' family online condolences please visit www.everettfuneral.com