Gloucester - Milton Leroy Payne of Gloucester died peacefully at age 93 on April 10, 1926.

His last days were spent at his home overlooking the harbor, cared for by his children and his grandchildren, entertained by his great-grandchildren, and soothed by Piper, the family dog.

MLP was born on December 8, 1932, to S. Edith James and Clinton R. Payne in Pawtucket, RI.

During his childhood in Coventry, RI he lived down the street from his friend Peace (Pat) Hudson. They were a couple from junior high school onward through 47 years of marriage, eventually settling in Gloucester with their five daughters.

MLP graduated from Tufts University in 1954 and Tufts Medical School in 1958. He then served in the U.S. Navy, at sea on the USS Yellowstone and later at the Chelsea Naval Hospital. A shipboard TB outbreak brought him into the company of high caliber physicians in what became his specialty, pulmonary medicine.

He resigned from his commission in the Navy as a Lt Commander in 1967 and began a 30-year career at the Beverly Hospital and in private practice. He held leadership roles at the hospital, such as chief of medicine, and in his field. He found great satisfaction in teaching junior colleagues and always emphasized the crucial role and expertise of the nursing staff.

MLP retired in 1996 but continued to keep up with medical advances and with colleagues through RODEO (retired old docs eating out). He also dove deep into the family's genealogy.

Papa will always be remembered as a man of character, integrity, and efficiency. He was meticulous in all things and infamous for his gift-wrapping prowess. His household was a warm gathering place, especially around shared meals, for three generations.

The family is pleased that he was accepted into the Tufts Anatomical Gift Program where his body will be used to help train future health professionals, as he wished.

He was predeceased by his wife, Pat in 2002. He is survived by his daughters: Jennifer(Michael), Jessica (Marcio), Kristen, Kari, and Jami (Tim); his grandchildren: Findley and Devin, Kacie (Alex), Kellen, and Kenna (Daniel); and his great-granddaughters, Maeve, Indigo, and Maple; siblings: Paul (Diane), Jane, and Bruce; as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews; and lifetime friends, the Lydon family.

Memorial arrangements will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to a Cape Ann charitable organization of your choice.