January 19, 2010
Visitation
Friday January 22, 2010 2-4 and 6-8 p.m.
Service
Saturday January 23, 2010 10:30 a.m. St. Paul Catholic Church
STAPLETON
Richard J. Stapleton, age 79, of Westerville passed away peacefully January 19, 2010 after a long illness. Born October 31, 1930 in Clinton, Iowa to parents Roy and Jennie Stapleton. Graduate of the University of Iowa. He served in the U.S. Army and National Guard. Retired from Bell Laboratories after 35 years as an Electrical Engineer. Long-time member of St. Paul Catholic Church where he was a member of the choir. Active volunteer with Caring and Sharing. Survived by his wife of 53 years, Marie (Vincenti) Stapleton; son and daughter-in-law, Ron and Betsi of Canton, MI; daughter and son-in-law, Kathy and Jeff Willis of Columbus; son, Scott of Dublin; grandsons, James, Kevin, Ryan, Daniel, Troy and granddaughter, Claire; sister, Loraine (Bob) Stahl of Bettendorf, IA; and many nieces, nephews and friends. Preceded in death by parents, sisters, Donna, Pat and Carol. Friends may call at the MORELAND FUNERAL HOME, 55 E. Schrock Road, Westerville, Friday 2-4 and 6-8 p.m.. Funeral mass will be held at St. Paul Catholic Church, 313 N. State Street, Westerville, Saturday at 10:30 a.m., Fr. Charles Klinger, celebrant. Interment Blendon Central Cemetery. Prayer service Friday at 8 p.m.. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to
Homereach Hospice, 3724 Olentangy River Road, Columbus, OH 43214 or OSU Parkinson Research, 1581 Dodd Drive, Columbus, OH 43210.
Condolences
Karl G. Heinze - Jan 21, 2010
Dear Marie and Family,
Please accept our heartfelt condolences.
Of the hundreds people I’ve met at school,work,
and in traveling,Dick was the nicest man I’ve known.I remember when Dick came East to woo and join sweet Marie to forge a wonderful couple. They raised a fine family in a beautiful home that Dick himself improved and maintained.
Being human, Dick must have had his bad days but I never recall him being mean or getting angry. We enjoyed good times together at Sunday dinners in Hoboken, when we both lived in Ohio, and on a memorable trip to Cape Cod where we ate lobster and drank cold beer on the beach.
His last years were difficult and we join his family and friends in wishing him Godspeed in going to the better place he’s earned and deserves.
We will always love and remember him.
Affectionately, Charlie.
Diane Heinze - Jan 20, 2010
Dear Stapleton Family,
I have wonderful childhood and more recent memories of Uncle Dick and your family. The most unforgettable memory of Uncle Dick was when he took me to the Columbus Airport after Aunt Marie, Uncle Dick and I traveled to Mackinac Island in Michigan. He not only insisted on parking the car, and walking me to my gate, but he waited with me, and when it got time for him to leave he had tears in his eyes. What an uncle! What a person!
Love,
Niece Diane
Vince & Cherie Pugh - Jan 20, 2010
Ron,
Cherie and I are both very sorry for the loss of your Dad. After reading his Obit, It dawned on me how lucky your family has been to have a man like him to look up to all these years. He sounds like one of the guys who helped build our country (post WWII) into the superpower it is today. For some reason the term “The Right Stuff” came to mind while I was reading. I never knew your Dad personally but he sounds like someone I would have respected, and admired. Our deepest condolences to you and your family. Sincerely, Vince Pugh
Vince & Cherie Pugh - Jan 20, 2010
Ron,
Cherie and I are both very sorry for the loss of your Dad. After reading his Obit, It dawned on me how lucky your family has been to have a man like him to look up to all these years. He sounds like one of the guys who helped build our country (post WWII) into the superpower it is today. For some reason the term “The Right Stuff” came to mind while I was reading. I never knew your Dad personally but he sounds like someone I would have respected, and admired. Our deepest condolences to you and your family. Sincerely, Vince Pugh
Kevin Campbell - Jan 20, 2010
Dear Stapleton family,
So sorry to hear of your loss, you have my deepest sympathies. May memories of all the good times comfort you and remain with you always.
– Kevin Campbell (Kathy’s friend)
Jeff Krugh - Jan 19, 2010
Dear Aunt Marie and Family – Uncle Dick was truly a good man in every sense of the word. He opened his heart to all that crossed his path. No matter if that person was family, friend, or a complete stranger, it did not matter to Uncle Dick because he would treat them all the same. His caring and understanding were only surpassed by his love that he felt for others – including myself. I am deeply saddened by his passing for your family and for myself. Even up to the end, there was a smile on his face and a joke in his heart to be shared with everyone. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to get to know your husband and your dad for I know I am a better person because of it. The years past too quickly, but my memories of Uncle Dick will stay with me forever. May God bless his soul and comfort your family. With my greatest sympathy – Jeff Krugh
Kimberly Ruesch - Jan 19, 2010
Dear Stapleton Love Ones,
You are surely admired for your demonstration of love and concern for Uncle Dick.
He was a brilliant person and loved all of you. My memories of him are precious to me.
With Love,
Kimberly Ruesch (niece)
Pamela Krugh - Jan 19, 2010
To my precious Aunt marie…You have my utmost respect and admiration. You demonstrated self-less love and commitment to Uncle Dick. I have memories of him that will last a lifetime. he was an important influence in my life. I will miss him and will always love him.
I love you and pray for your comfort…..Your loving niece, Pam