It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Clayton Stanley.
He was born in Jay, Maine to Jeanette (Chicoine) Stanley(late) and Clayton E Stanley Sr. (late). He is survived by his partner Virginia (Ginny) P. Johnson, children Wayne, Lisa, Darlene, Andrea, Danielle, and Joseph, 18 grandchildren and 13 great- grandchildren. He was predeceased by his brother Raymond Stanley and grandson Zachariah Gagnon.
He moved to Manchester at a young age where he attended the Manchester school system and Trinity High School. He then moved to Nashua, NH where he was a cook at the 88 Restaurant also where he met his best and long time friend Salvatore Coco.
His passion for restaurants came to fruition when he purchased the Blue Whale (Giovanni’s) Restaurant in Hudson in 1974. He touched many lives as the owner and manager until the restaurant’s closure. He then became a real estate broker and builder, starting Rosewood Homes. He built several homes and neighborhoods in Rochester and Milford, NH until his retirement where he settled in Florida.
He enjoyed his retirement in the Highland Lakes community in Leesburg, FL. It is here that he founded the Texas Hold-Em club and was manager of the woodworking shop. His love for woodworking flourished with chip carving Christmas ornaments, building tables, and turning projects on the lathe. His artistic abilities also shined through in the many stained glass projects he created. In addition to his hands-on creativity, he also enjoyed playing World of Warcraft, fishing, and traveling. For all of his traveling, his favorite trips were back to New England to enjoy the Fall foliage and visit family.
He will be remembered by everyone for his bright smile, infectious laugh, great hugs, and amazingly delicious cooking. His kind heart was one that made the world a better place for all who knew him. The world has lost a ray of sunshine with his passing.
Private services will be held at a future date.
