John A. Hale, 81, lifelong resident of Manlius, passed away due to complications of a longtime illness.  He was the youngest of four children of John J. and Lucile A. Hale.  John graduated from Fayetteville-Manlius High School.  He worked at Suburban Park, he was a milkman in the Manlius area and delivered the Wall Street Journal.  For several years he was the “pizza man” for Cosmo’s Pizza on SU Hill.  He retired from F-M School District in 1998 as head custodian. 

     He was best known in the town for his Christmas and Halloween decorations, receiving an award in 1985 for his Christmas display.

     John is survived by his life long partner, Chloe Peters; four children, Marianne Roberts (Richard) of Crestview, FL, Christopher J. Hale of Manlius, Margo L. Gonyea of Dannemora, and John A. Hale II of Chittenango; 11 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; and brother, Malcolm Hale of LaHabra, CA. 

     Calloing hours will be from 4-7 pm on Tuesday, August 9 at Newell-Fay Manlius Chapel, 8171 Cazenovia Rd., Manlius.  The funeral will be at 10 am on Wednesday, August 10 at the funeral home.  Burial will be in Manlius Village Cemetery.