Obituary: Deacon James H. Stanley, 88; Formerly Of Hamden

HAMDEN, CT — (From North Haven Funeral Home): Deacon James H. Stanley, 88, of Cheshire, formerly of North Haven and Hamden, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 14, 2022 at LiveWell in Plantsville with his family by his side. He was the beloved husband of Patricia Reagan Stanley for 58 years.

Deacon Jim was born in West Haven on November 29, 1933 and was the son of the late John P. and Beatrice Smith-Ainley Stanley. He served his country faithfully in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. He attended the Connecticut Institute of Industrial Education.

Deacon Jim retired from Marlin Firearms after 45 years and never missed a day of work. Converted to Catholicism in 1962, Jim pursued his call to the Diaconate for the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Hartford for 35 years having served at St. Barnabas Church, North Haven and Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, Hamden.

Father of Lynne (Dean) Landry, Larissa (John) Opramolla, Liana (Andrew) Kappus and the late Brian F. Stanley. Grandfather of Matthew, Paxton and Bradford Landry, Emily, Julia and Jonathan Opramolla, Nolan, Reagan and Gwendalyn Kappus. Also survived by his sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. Predeceased by his sisters, Laura Stanley, Lillian Siekierski and Hazel Ahrens, brothers John Stanley Jr., Robert, Joseph and his twin Franklin Stanley.

Jim was a loyal and faithful servant of God. He deeply cherished his loved ones. His kindness, selflessness, and generous spirit put all at ease. His complete love and patience grew his children and grandchildren in ways that have allowed them to all be grateful for his gentle guidance. Outdoor weekends dedicated to his family were paradise to him. Jim lived the Beatitudes.

For more information and to leave online condolences, visit North Haven Funeral Home here.