Robert "Bert" Stahley Jr.

Robert Francis “Bert” Stahley, Jr., passed away suddenly on December 10, 2025. He was the son of Dorothy Stahley and the late Bob Stahley of West Barnstable, brother of Helen Stahley Williams (Mark) of Chandler Arizona, Rosalyn Stahley Serino (Michael) of Cary North Carolina, and Kristin Stahley of West Barnstable. In addition to his mother and devoted sisters, he will be missed by eight nephews and nieces, fifteen great-nephews and nieces, many cousins and countless people whose lives were touched by his joyful spirit.

Bert was a dear child of God who confessed everyday that Jesus Christ was his Lord and Savior. Bert wanted to share the Good News with everyone he encountered, sometimes using words.

Bert was born on June 24, 1961, in Washington DC, grew up in Laurel Maryland, attended St. Mary of the Mills Catholic School and graduated from St. Vincent Pallotti High School in 1978. As a young man, Bert loved to memorize the American Top 40, and for much of his life could tell anyone which songs made it to the Top 10, and how long they stayed there. When he moved with his parents to Cape Cod in 1994, he decided that his Sunday mornings would be better spent in worship. For over a decade, Bert found a supportive faith family at Osterville Baptist Church. When Covid restrictions passed, Bert chose to attend First Baptist Church in Hyannis where he also found partners in prayer. Bert could be found every Sunday, in the first pew, with arms in praise and on Thursday evening with the men’s fellowship.

In 1998, Bert graduated from Project Forward at Cape Cod Community College. He found work as a carriage retriever at Home Depot in Hyannis, but it was at Stop & Shop in Yarmouth where Bert enjoyed 15 years as a courtesy clerk, attended all the union meetings and joyfully retired in 2023.

In 1999, Bert moved to the Captain Eldridge House, the only congregate living house in Barnstable. He enjoyed living independently, with support from his mom and sisters, and individual support from Cape Abilities. Bert enjoyed strolling his neighborhood on Main Street in Hyannis, where he got to know many business owners. His favorite meal out was always found at the Daily Paper,where they welcomed him for his regular meal, always served with pink lemonade. His neighbors “at the house” were Bert’s friends. Most of all, Jeanne Walsh, the house coordinator, was his close confidant. Without her encouragement and partnership, Bert would not have thrived, as he did, living independently.

Bert loved cats, especially Garfield, and the Three Stooges. Bert loved telling jokes. Bert loved politics and often wore patriotic hats, but more often could be found wearing shirts with scripture passages. In addition to the Bible, Bert read the “Irish Sports Page” daily, and never missed the chance to call his sisters to tell them “guess who won’t be down for breakfast”. Bert loved to watch Cinderella, and dreamed of the day his princess would arrive. He longed to be married and have a family of his own, something he prayed for every day.

For the past several decades, Bert’s prayers and prayer requests were shared with many. His family is grateful to the many people who prayed with him, and for him. We will all miss him terribly, but thank God for his presence in our lives.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Corpus Christi Catholic Church in Sandwich on Friday, December 19th at 11AM; visiting hours begin at 10AM. Burial will follow later Friday at Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne. A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, December 20th at 11AM at First Baptist Church in Hyannis.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bert’s memory to Cape Abilities.