DANFORTH, John T.

Dr. John T. Danforth, 74, died peacefully at Banner Gardens Hospice House May 9, 2006. He was a beloved husband to Jean, his wife of 46 years; a loving father to Thomas, Stephen (wife Tara Lynn), Peter, Lisa (husband Brendan Beggs), Christopher, Paul, Molly, Mary Jean (deceased) and Catey ; and a doting grandfather to Christopher, Danny, Megan, Courtney, Ryan, Christopher ("Moto"), RJ and John Ryder. He was a good friend and a great doctor to many in Mesa. Dr. Danforth was born in Beacon, New York, attended the University of Kentucky and Georgetown Medical School. After a stint in the Air Force, Dr. Danforth moved his young family to Mesa in 1964, where he practiced pediatrics until a few weeks before his death. Among the highlights of his long career are the countless pictures, visits, cards and letters from generations of patients, whom he loved as his second family. He was a devout Catholic and long-time member of Queen of Peace Parish, Christ the King Parish, and later, St. Bridget's Parish. In addition, Dr. Danforth enjoyed golfing at the Mesa Country Club as well as spending time on the beach in Leucadia, California, with his entire family. Loving and generous, Dr. Danforth will be missed by many. A funeral mass will be held Saturday, May 13 at Christ the King Church at 10:30 a.m, with interment to follow at the Mesa City Cemetery. Visitation and rosary will be from 5:00-8:00pm on Friday, May 12 at Melcher's Chapel of the Roses at 43 S. Stapley in Mesa. In lieu of flowers, the Danforth family requests donations be made to the East Valley Child Crisis Center.