John MacMurray Stanton

John MacMurray Stanton died peacefully at The Pavilion Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Hyannis, MA on Thursday, April 30, 2020. Because of COVID-19, Mr. Stanton’s family was not able to be by his side, a heartache for all who loved him.

Mr. Stanton was born on December 14, 1932 in Scranton, PA to the Rev. Dr. John H. Stanton of N. Cohocton, NY and Helen MacMurray Stanton of Olean, NY. John grew up in Westmont, PA (a suburb of Johnstown) but spent his childhood summers on Cape Cod. He graduated from Grove City College in Grove City, PA with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business.

Following his tour of duty in the Army from which John was Honorably Discharged as a 1st LT, he began his lifelong career in retail. Mr. Stanton’s early management positions were with Kaufmans Dept. Stores in PA and Filene’s Dept. Stores in MA. After his retail store experience, John became a Manufacturer’s Representative for Health-Tex Children’s Clothing and Levi Strauss & Co.

In 1981, John and his wife Marcy purchased and managed The Studio of Duxbury, a fine gift and decorative accessory store in Duxbury, MA. Over the next 35 years, the couple expanded their retail space and, with the help of their loyal staff and customers, grew their business to be a landmark in Duxbury and surrounding towns.

John was committed to supporting his community. He was an active member of the Duxbury Business Association, twice president of the Duxbury Rotary Club, past president of the Plymouth Philharmonic Orchestra Board of Directors and served on several boards and committees at Pilgrim Church in Duxbury.

In July 2015, the Stantons retired to Yarmouth Port, MA on Cape Cod and sold the business in March of 2016.

John is survived by his wife of 48 years, Marcy (Marcella Tompkins Stanton), his sister Helen Stanton Seward of Yarmouth Port, MA, his two sons, John Stanton (Sondi) of Woburn, MA and Kennebunkport, ME, Douglas Stanton (Gail) of West Townsend, MA and three grandchildren, Jay Stanton (Nicole) of Boston, MA, Jennifer Tramontozzi (Jared) of Hudson, NH, and Danielle Stanton of West Townsend, MA.

John was predeceased by his sisters, Priscilla Stanton Waters and Barbara Gaillard MeNear, both formerly of East Dennis, MA and his former wife Marilyn Watt Stanton, the mother of his sons.

A memorial service will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, a contribution in John’s Memory to the Plymouth Philharmonic Orchestra (32 Court St. Plymouth, MA 02360) would mean a great deal to his family.