John Stanley Gatins, 87, formerly of Vero Beach passed away on July 28, 2016 in Orange Park, FL. He was born July 2, 1929 to Helena and Joseph Gatins of Washington Heights in NYC. A life-long devout Catholic and family man, he and his wife, Maureen, have been parishioners of St. Helen Catholic Church for over 30 years.

As a boy in the neighborhood, he, among other youthful stories worked for some years delivering groceries to many, many "5-story walk ups" which he claims was key to his successful track career at Power Memorial High School. Mr. Gatins medaled many times at the national power house Catholic school famous for its basketball program and probably it's most famous student Kareem Abdul Jabbar.

Mr. Gatins served in the USN from 1948 to 1952- where he was trained as an electronics technician and worked on Experimental Blimp Dirigibles, finally ending his career at Cecil Field in Jacksonville.

Mr. Gatins joined the New York State Police (Troop K) in 1953. Among his law enforcement duties he was also the lone Union Representative for the Troopers, regularly representing their interests in upstate Albany. He retired after 22 years as the Desk Sergeant in Trooper barracks Brewster, NY. and was penned by his men "the ole grey rider" for his leadership and pension for sticking to the rules.

He retired in 1974 to Vero Beach, FL and was employed for 10 year by Indian River Federal Bank. There he was in charge of security for it southern branches while also driving and managing the bank's famous "Wampum Wagon", a Winnebago RV bank needed for rural Florida customer, a job he enjoyed greatly.

He may be most remembered by his friends in Vero Beach for his tremendous efforts in starting the Vero Beach Irish American Society. In 1995 after several disappointing St. Patrick Day celebrations, he petitioned the city and organized a club with few members and no clubhouse. After years of fundraisers, the Society's membership grew to hundreds and finally into their own clubhouse. One of Mr. Gatins most proud achievements was when the membership finally paid off (ahead of time) its mortgage -a goal he laid out some 15 years earlier. The Clubhouse's bar is named in his honor and a mural, with his name, is painted on the club entrance on 20th avenue.

John is survived by his wife of 57 years, Maureen. He is father to daughters, Mary Gatins, Eileen McFarland and Anne Kugler and sons, John Gatins Jr, and Daniel Gatins and loved by four grandchildren

A visitation will be held 3-5pm, Thursday, August 4, 2016 at Cox Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home followed by a 5pm Wake Service. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 12 pm, Friday, August 5, 2016 at St. Helen Catholic Church immediately followed by burial at Crestlawn Cemetery, Vero Beach, FL.