Thomas F. F Stapleton

Thomas F. Stapleton died of heart failure, on May 30, 2012 at Avow Hospice in Naples, FL with his wife and daughter at his bedside. He was born on July 2, 1926 in Chicago, IL to the parents of Thomas F. & Agatha G. Stapleton.

He graduated from Leo High School, class of 1944 and joined the Navy. He was a Radioman 3/C and served in the Pacific. He spent time on two ships, the Cruiser, "Biloxi" and the Destroyer, "Compton". He graduated from Northwestern University in 1950 with a degree in Accounting, and after passing the CPA exam received the Illinois CPA's Silver Award for having the second highest score for that exam. He worked for David Himmelblau for four years and then moved to Peat, Marwick & Mitchell (now known as KPMG). He and his wife met at the Firm and married in 1962. He became an Audit Partner in 1966, and was also an SEC reviewing Partner. In 1982 he moved to New York to be an advisor in the Professional Practice Department. He was with the Firm for 34 years until his retirement in 1987.

He was a firm believer in furthering one's education and belonged to the Big Brother Organization which sponsored young men with scholarships to attend various private high schools in the Chicago area. He was able to sponsor two students thru four years of high school and one thru four years of College. He was a former member of the Attic Club, Illinois Athletic Club and Chicago Rotary #1. He is an honorary life member of Columbia Yacht Club in Chicago where he served as Commodore from 1971 to 1973.

His love for sailing brought him to join the Macatawa Bay Yacht Club in Holland MI; Indian Harbor Yacht Club in Greenwich, CT; and is a former member of the Naples Sailing and Yacht Club in Naples, FL. He was also a member of the "Notables", a Choral group in Naples for eight years.

Being an excellent sailor, he was the proud owner of six sailboats ranging from 48 to 34 feet. He, his wife, and dear friends sailed the Great Lakes, Long Island Sound from Greenwich to Maine, and brought their last boat round trip thru the Intracoastal Waterway to Naples, FL and back to CT. They also brought one of their boats from Holland, MI to Greenwich, CT by the various waterways of the US and Canada.

Their love for travelling took them all over the world, much of it by the large cruise ships. In fact, his last cruise ended on April 21st of this year. There was not much left on his bucket list.

He was predeceased by his parents, two brothers, William and Richard Stapleton, and three infants, along with aunts, uncles and cousins.

He is survived by his devoted and loving wife, Sheryl and loving daughter, Laura. This coming October would have been the celebration of their 50th wedding anniversary had he survived.

Also surviving him is his Sister, Mary Kay Zawaski(John) and a Sister-in-law, Kathleen Stapleton, in addition to many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews and cousins.

Also surviving him are his devoted companions, two Shih Tzus, Chutney and Bailey.

Special thanks to Doctors Hickey and Neville and their staff for their professional skills, compassion, and advice when consulted. They went above and beyond the call of duty.

Tom was loved by all who knew him and was a very generous man. His presence will be sorely missed by his family, friends and pets.

A Memorial Mass in celebration of his life will be held at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 625 111th Avenue, Naples, FL (239-566-8740) followed by Military honors and the Inurnment on Thursday, July 5th at 10:00 A.M.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society of Naples, Avow Hospice of Naples or a charity of your choice.