James Francis Dalton, a United States Navy veteran of WWII and a 46 year resident of Stoughton, formerly of Canton, passed away at home, surrounded by his loving wife and family on Friday July 1, 2011. He was 84 years old and the beloved husband of Grace A. ( McGonagle ) Dalton to whom he was married to for over 55 years. He is also survived by his loving and caring children, Rose ( Dalton ) Ewas of Middleboro, James F. Dalton Jr. and his wife Deirdre of Chelmsford, Elizabeth Dalton of Stoughton, Margaret Mallory and her husband Kevin of Newton Highlands, Joseph M. Dalton III and his wife Carolyn of North Easton, Marygrace Dalton of Stoughton, Maureen Hancock and her husband Greg of Bridgewater, Sarah Skinner and her husband J.C. and Patrice Denneno and her husband Peter ( SFD ) also of Stoughton. He is also survived by his sister Mrs. Mary Cincotta of Burlington,MA. He was also a brother to the late Joseph M. Dalton Jr. and a grandfather to the late Sean Michael Ewas. Other survivors include several loving grandchildren, nieces, nephews, in – laws and many friends. Jim was a kind, caring human being and always found the good qualities in those around him. He was the most dedicated and wonderful husband, father and grandfather. He will be missed by all who had the opportunity to know him.
Born on July 5, 1926 in Brighton, Massachusetts he was a son to late Joseph M. Dalton Sr. and Margaret Mary ( Murphy ) Dalton. He attended Newton Public Schools and later the Wentworth Institute of Technology in Boston.
Mr. Dalton proudly earned the rank of Seaman 1st Class while serving his country during World War II. He was honorably discharged on July 2, 1947. He was also the recipient of the Asiatic Pacific Medal, the American Area Medal, the Good Conduct Medal and the World War II Victory Medal.
Mr. Dalton was employed for thirty years as an Industrial Supervisor for the Former Boston Gas Company.
Mr. Dalton was a communicant and attended St. James Church in Stoughton. He was a proud member of the church’s adult choir. He was also a former member and award winning “ sharpshooter “ with both the Stoughton Fish & Game Association and the Sharon Fish & Game. Jim earned the title of an “ Expert Marksman “ and had the privilege of training many candidates in various federal, state and local law enforcement fields. His Other hobbies included, being an avid gardener, golfing, listening to Irish music and Irish History, reading Aviation History and piloting small airplanes. Jim was also a dedicated volunteer at “ My - Brother’s Keeper " in Easton.
His funeral will be held on Wednesday July 6, 2011 at 9:30 A.M. from the Sheehan Funeral Home, 115 Monk Street, Stoughton. Followed by a mass of Christian burial for the repose of his soul at 11:00 A.M. in St. James Church, 560 Page Street, Stoughton. The Pastor Rev. John E. Kelly, officiating. Burial will follow at Dry Pond Cemetery, ( Corner of Bay Road & Plain Street ), Stoughton. Visiting hours will be held on Tuesday July 5, 2011 from 4 – 9 P.M. in the Sheehan Funeral Home, 115 Monk Street, Stoughton. All are welcome to attend. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Jim’s memory to St. Anthony’s Free Market – Stoughton Food Pantry , c/o Anne Havlin, Director, 2 Park Avenue, Stoughton, MA 02072.