The West Tisbury historian, justice of the peace, county commissioner and former longtime selectman, died suddenly at home Wednesday. He was 78.</p>
John S. Alley, West Tisbury historian, justice of the peace, county commissioner and former longtime selectman, died suddenly at home Wednesday after sufffering a heart attack. He was 78.
For 27 years he was a town selectman, and he had been a longtime partial owner of Alley’s General Store, where in recent years he had been in charge of mail distribution at the postal station at Alley’s. He was the longtime Gazette West Tisbury columnist. But perhaps his most familiar role was as a longtime justice of the peace — wearing his signature top hat, he had married countless numbers of couples on Martha’s Vineyard over the years.
He had just returned from a brief stay at Massachusetts General Hospital, and had sent his last town column from there on Tuesday.
Recollections can be sent to Anna Alley at [email protected].
Funeral arrangements are incomplete, and under the care of the Chapman, Cole and Gleason Funeral Home in Oak Bluffs.
Comments
Such a loss and end of an era
Kate Warner West TisburySuch a loss and end of an era. I have known John since I was a small kid when he was behind the counter at Alley’s. I loved the way Alley’s was then: how you could find long-forgotten things in dusty corners and the smell of an old store with its old floorboards. And then I loved going up to the counter and talking to John. His passing is a loss to West Tisbury.
Kate, I couldn't have said
Stephen Nichols Jr UnknownKate, I couldn't have said the opening line better. I have so many memories I wouldn't know where to begin. My most recent was 2 summers ago when I came down to the island with 2 of my children and a couple of my grandchildren. We stopped at Alleys to get snacks, and there he was. Sitting in a rocking chair. I stood in front of him and asked "do you know who I am"? He smiled that John smile and said "it's been a long time, of course I know who you are". We chatted for a bit,, needless to say there were a couple other "old timers" who knew me. I'm glad I was in the right place at the time. He was a Vineyard Icon! My condolences to his family and all that knew him.
I agree with all that Kate
Patricia M McNamara MashpeeI agree with all that Kate Warner wrote here. I lived up-island, was in Alleys' often, spent time out of there as a friend with John. He was wonderful! We'd recently talked of getting together in near future--once he got home from the hospital. This is just devastating--I loved him and will miss him. However, he will always be in our hearts and souls.
We are back for our annual
Brenda Hunter Menemsha Beach/Haddam, ConnecticutWe are back for our annual anniversary trip to Menemsha Beach. We were fortunate to have John Alley preside over our ceremony 15 yrs ago tomorrow July 30th. He was such a kind and thoughtful gentleman and we will miss him as will so many. Our sincere sympathy to his family. RIP Justice Alley.
So many memories of great
Dave Hansen Montague, MASo many memories of great conversations and great gadgets from the store!
Godspeed John!
So very sorry for your loss!
Cindy Kadish Alexandria, VA.So very sorry for your loss! Prayers are coming your way. Please accept condolences from Ron and me.
John officiated our wedding
Ken Schoenberg EdgartownJohn officiated our wedding and was a nice man. Rest in Peace and condolences to his family and friends.
I am so sorry to read this.
Leslie (Frank) Berryman Tucson, AZI am so sorry to read this. My prayers and thoughts to John's family.
Very Sad. Crying. Glad I said
Jenifer Strachan West TisburyVery Sad. Crying. Glad I said “yes” to sorting the mail recently so he could take his son out to lunch on his birthday. Had a fun interaction while getting a final post in what must have been one of his last columns. John officiated my wedding, gave me yard sticks for my collection, sorted my mail with a smile and flirting jest. Thank you for all the Hersheys kisses in my mail box, John. You will always be a big part of our town, West Tisbury and island. Love to your family.
I knew John since the 60's. A
Bill Millar New Port Richey FloridaI knew John since the 60's. A trip to the vineyard always included a bare foot bike ride to the store to say hello to John, Johnny as I knew him. A nice guy I am glad to have known him
Our wedding, thirty-five
Susan Bucks County, PennsylvaniaOur wedding, thirty-five years ago, was made even more of a loving celebration by John Alley. He was delightful, top hat and all. Everyone loved his special presence. Offering condolences to his family. May his memory be a blessing.
Mr. Alley married my husband
StephanieMr. Alley married my husband & me in 2015, and he of course wore his wonderful top hat. After the ceremony he insisted I wear it and I have a picture of me in my wedding dress wearing his top hat. Every time I look at that picture I think of him. We were so happy to have run into him just a few months ago at Morning Glory Farm. I so looked forward to reading his weekly column in the Gazette. He will be greatly missed!
Anna: such a lovely sweet
“B” Corkery Santa Barbara, CAAnna: such a lovely sweet memory I have of John and your wedding. So wonderful was his calling to officiate at so many others’ weddings. From the comments so many others are really appreciative of his part in their special days. Holding all of you in my prayers. Love “B”
My deepest condolences to
Peggy Tileston PhiladelphiaMy deepest condolences to Anna, the family, and the whole Vineyard family who knew and loved John. I can't imagine the Vineyard without him. Holding you all in love.
I will miss joking with him
Katie Ruppel West TisburyI will miss joking with him when I got my mail. It seemed every time I got my mail, he was back there? I feel lucky to have inherited his old P.O. Box. Last time I saw him, he quizzed me on the code (P.O. box codes are otherwise irrelevant at Alley's). I will miss his often long-winded stories... wishing I had listened a little harder. His stories transported me to a Vineyard time I never could know. rest in peace old friend.
It's the weekend after
Laurie Howick Evanston ILIt's the weekend after Hurricane Edward, and we're all stir crazy! The late afternoon sun is beautiful; we walk to the East Chop light. There's a young couple, she in a pretty dress, he in nice shirt and pants. He hands her a bouquet. They ask the gathered sunset watchers if we'll be witnesses. Suddenly arrives a bearded fellow in top hat -Justice of the Peace Alley, here to perform the wedding! A dozen strangers wish the new pair long life and happiness. The sun continues into the water off West Chop, bathing the sky in glorious celebration. I hope the couple have as fond memories of their wedding, and of John Alley, as I do. Rest In Peace, Justice.
Mr. Alley married my husband
Stephanie and Brian Daly Newtown, CTMr. Alley married my husband and I in front of the Edgartown lighthouse 22 years ago. He and his top hat (my husband wore one to match) made our ceremony most special. Our deepest condolences to the entire Alley family at this sad time. Rest In Peace Mr. Alley.
Our deepest condolences to
paul magid west tisburyOur deepest condolences to Anna. John was one of a kind. The loss of his kindness, humor, and simply his presence will be felt for as long as people who knew him are around. Paul and Anita
Such sad news. He was always
The Pease FamilySuch sad news. He was always a welcoming and joyous presence! We will miss him.
Our condolences to the family.
I’m so sad at the loss of
Gayle D. Stiller Vineyard HavenI’m so sad at the loss of another Island institution. Not only were my husband Bill McConnell and I one of the 2,500 couples that John joined in matrimony (in 1983) but I counted him as a dear friend. So very sad.
A trip to Alley's was not
Kathleen Kaempfert Scottdale, AZA trip to Alley's was not complete without chatting with John. He was one of a kind. Condolences to the family.
Got to see John at Lambert's
Edward Pachico DCGot to see John at Lambert's Cove Cemetery for services for Franny Fisher's mother Tina and Franny's husband Gerry. It had been a long time but John remembered who I was and remembered my father Richard along with my extended family. A true Up-Island ICON.
We are so sad to hear of John
Marsha Gullo Brunswick, Maine (formerly West Tisbury)We are so sad to hear of John Alley’s passing. John officiated at our wedding 15 years ago. He created a spiritual and whimsical ceremony of oaths. Everyone in attendance was totally charmed. Some likened him to Abe Lincoln (perhaps it was the stovepipe hat)! Indeed, I think he’s a man of “ historical significance” to the island and to our family! Rest In Peace Mr. Alley; you are greatly missed. Sincere condolences to the Alley family.
OMG. My ageless friend. How
Robert M. Sawyer Vineyard HavenOMG. My ageless friend. How can this be. John Alley has been my very dear friend for such a very long time. To say he will be missed may be the world’s greatest understatement. Can a Vineyard local, County Commissioner and former member of so many groups and causes be called a Statesman. I say YES. But he was so much more. He was a friend, he was a partner, he was a living history of Martha’s Vineyard. He was a very good and special man. I will greatly miss him. The Vineyard community will greatly miss him. Anna, Sam joins me in our deepest condolences and stay safe in these terrible times but comforted you were married to an extraordinary man. Love you John.
The last time I saw John was
Ida G Millman Storrs Mansfield CTThe last time I saw John was at the wedding of Claudia, daughter of Peggy and Stanley Charren, in Cambridge MA. No top hats and someone else did the marrying, but in that room were so many people who loved the V, all or mostly all of blessed memory now. Now John's memory joins theirs in blessing us, who will continue to enjoy this lovely island.
Vivid memories of John during
William Woolverton BostonVivid memories of John during the summer of 1974 when I was a summer reporter for the Gazette on my way to graduate school in England. That was the famous summer of Jaws being filmed on Island and the resignaton of Nixon. I used to visit John as a source on articles I wrote for the Gazette. He would enjoy inviting me into his "office" which was the back room in the General Store and we would sit for an hour or two on wooden barrels or huge wooden cable spools and he would regale me with stories about the history and people and personalities of the Island, including various selectman. Sometimes I took notes, sometimes just listened. It was always fascinating and we became good friends.
John's passing is a loss to
Paul DeSimone CarverJohn's passing is a loss to everyone, West Tisbury and the entire Island. I don't think there is one person on the Island that didn't know the name "John Alley". My Parents (Adela and Louie) bought property in West Tisbury back in '62 or '63. We would spend the summers there until 1969 when my Parents retired to the Island. My Father worked part time for John repairing anything that was broken at the general store and the laundromat. When my Father passed away in the eighties, John called my Mother and told her that he would take care of all the plans for the burial in West Tisbury. And once again when my Mother passed away in 2001, John called and said he would take care of all the plans for her burial. I called John last August, as I needed to find the right people to talk to on various things and info I needed. Of course, John gave me names and numbers in two minutes. He said "let them know, I (John) gave you the number(s)". We talked for at least an hour, reminiscing of the good old days. The Island lost a little of it's light without John.
WE WILL ALL MISS THIS
GEORGE BROWN COULANGES SUR YONNE FRANCE,WE WILL ALL MISS THIS DEDICATED AND FRIENDLY MAN..................gb
I remember Mr. Alley at the
Gerald Bowman MunichI remember Mr. Alley at the Store when he had Ice cream sundies on Wed or Thur evenings. We chatted some along with the other folks in the store. This was in the early to mid 80s.
John Alley married us at the
Taylor Acosta and Matthew Loftus Omaha, NEJohn Alley married us at the East Chop Lighthouse on a rainy October day in 2016. He was a kind and gracious person. Our sincere condolences to the Alley family.
Our sympathies to the entire
Anna CaliforniaOur sympathies to the entire Alley Family.
A trip to the island is not complete without a stop at Alley’s. Been going back to the Vineyard every year for over a decade and during our September visit last year I met Mr. Alley in a very unusual and unexpected way. As I was browsing around a very tiny isle I stepped back not realizing someone was behind me. I almost knocked this person down. I apologized and the man was very nice about it and we both laughed. As I continued to browse in the store my husband called me to meet someone in the mailroom, he introduced me to Mr. Alley, the man I almost knocked down. I apologized again and we both laughed. He was very kind and he spent some time with us chatting about the store and even took a picture with him. We plan to see him on our next visit so I can show him the pictures we took, so sad we are not going to have that chance again. As we are shelter in place in California, I was online and that’s how I found out about the sad news. Reading all the comments how wonderful a man he was to so many; my husband and I are grateful to have met him in a very unusual situation, but in a pleasant memorable way. Rest in peace, Mr. Alley.
There won’t be another like
Kib bramhall West TisburyThere won’t be another like him. RIP
He was just always there. How
Miranda Edison menemshaHe was just always there. How can he not be here? He & my dad talked baseball all the time. Love to all the family.
sending condolences to all.
erica new york citysending condolences to all. our family moved to the vineyard was 4. going to Alley's with my father to get our mail and to chat with John's father Mr. Alley was a treat by the time i was 9 or ten, John was several years older, I could ride my bike to alleys to get our mail. I had a crush on him. He was patient and kind, even as a teenager.
i loved that store and it's crooked floor and the wonderful smell of the store, and of course, John's smile.
So sudden! Too soon, a quick
Chris O'Sullivan New York, and WTSo sudden! Too soon, a quick and perhaps easy departure, but decades ahead of time; bad for us. Johnny was one of the few remaining links to the past (for me). He remembered raucous parties at our house when it belonged to P. Spaulding Sr., including falling off the deck before there was a railing. We remembered each other as teenagers, and on. The big thing for my family, though, is that he literally knows -- knew! -- where the bodies are buried (my parents and brother in the West Tisbury cemetery).
John was ten years old when
Adam Block VerginiaJohn was ten years old when we met. We became good friends over the years in many ways. His life and accomplishments have been broadly celebrated. He will be fondly remembered by me and many, many others. Best wishes to dear Anna.
— Adam Block
Mr Alley was THE go-to person
Deborah Donnell SeattleMr Alley was THE go-to person for weddings on the Vineyard. Andrew and I were married by him 32 years ago. Such a delightful person. We join you in the memories and the sorrow.
Thank you all for your great
Anna Alley West TisburyThank you all for your great memories and sympathies. Someday, when the rotten virus is under control, we hope to have a celebration of John's life. I will try to reach you all when it is planned. Thanks again. Anna Alley
Just saw this today - so
Christina Boxford MAJust saw this today - so sorry to hear the news of John's passing; seeing his photo brought floods of memories. He was our JP at our wedding September 1999 at the Harborview in the gazebo. The island wont be the same without him. Sending best wishes, Anna, to you and your family.
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