Obituary of Richard W. Stanton

Richard W. Stanton Richard W. Stanton entered into rest Thursday, April 28, 2011 at Vassar Brothers Medical Center in Poughkeepsie. He was 88. Son of the late Rev. Ira and Iva E. Miller Stanton, he was born on October 15, 1922 in Chadwicks, New York. He married the love of his life, Shirley Waite on July 19, 1952 in West Pawlet, Vermont; Mrs. Stanton preceded him in death, passing on March 27, 2006. Richard served his country in the United States Navy during World War II. He was First Class Gunner's Mate for PT224 in the Aleutian Islands. He also saw heavy action in the Philippines and Borneo, among other places. During his service, he earned many commendations and decorations such as the World War II Victory Medal, Asiatic Pacific Ribbon with 3 stars, American Area Ribbon, Philippine Liberation Ribbon with 1 star and Good Conduct Medal. After war, he acted as Police Chief of Granville, New York, before moving to Dutchess County to marry and raise his family. Richard later worked as a corrections officer in Green Haven. Finally, he worked as a motor vehicle inspector for NYS Department of Motor Vehicles for many years, until his retirement in 1987. In his spare time, Richard was a member of PT Boats, an organization for PT veterans. He was very involved in scouting, especially when his sons were young; Richard was an Eagle Scout himself. Formerly, he was a volunteer for Meals-On-Wheels in Wappingers Falls; he still met with his "Meals-On-Wheels group" every Thursday for lunch. He enjoyed walking the mall with his group there. Most of all, Richard loved time spent with his family; he was sure to always be present at every school and sporting event for his grandchildren. Richard was also a member of the United Methodist Church of Wappingers Falls. Survivors include his sons, Rick Stanton and his wife, Diane of Hyde Park, Bob Stanton and his wife, Cathy of Hyde Park, and Ron Stanton and his wife, Diana of East Fishkill; sister, Violet Nestlen of Athens; aunt, Till Hughes of Millbrook; grandchildren, Meredith and her fianc�, Andy Calos of Myrtle Beach, SC, John of Boston, MA, Bob and Caitlin of Hyde Park, and Matthew and Nicholas of East Fishkill; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife, he was predeceased by his brother, David Stanton. Family will receive their friends on Sunday, May 1, 2011 from 3 to 7 p.m. at Straub, Catalano & Halvey Funeral Home, 55 E. Main Street, Wappingers Falls, NY 12590. A funeral service will be held on Monday, May 2 at 10 a.m. at the United Methodist Church, Mesier Avenue and East Main Street in Wappingers Falls. Interment will take place on Tuesday, May 3 at 12 noon at Mountainview Cemetery in West Pawlet, Vermont. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Richard's name to Meals-On-Wheels, 2568 South Avenue, Wappingers Falls, NY 12590 or a charity of one's choice. For directions to the funeral home or to send the family a personal condolence, please visit our website at www.StraubCatalanoHalvey.com.