John R. Stapleton

For 63 years, Jack shared a loving marriage with Elizabeth ("Betty", née Brandreth) Stapleton. Together they raised seven children of whom they were immensely proud: Kevin and his wife Michele; Kathleen (Rogers) and her husband Bill; John and Heather; Tim; Jean Marie; Mary Beth Alepa and her fiancé Pete; and Brian and his wife Lesley.

Jack (Grandpa) was also the proud grandfather to Sean, Ryan, Dylan, Matthew, Lindsey, Jacqueline, Lauren, Taylor, Christopher, Bella, Sofia, Devin, and Brendan. Nothing brought him more joy than cheering on all 13 grandchildren at their sporting events, or in celebrating with them at birthdays, holidays, and during extended family celebrations. He also took great joy in supporting his family at all of the key milestones in their lives: at the completion of each of the Holy Sacraments, during school plays and events, as they graduated from grade schools, high schools, colleges and beyond. Of course, Grandpa was also a fixture at countless sporting events, tournaments, and other competitions for more than thirty years.

Born on February 19, 1936, to Margaret ("Peg",née Powers) and Joseph Stapleton in Jersey City, New Jersey, Jack was educated at Sacred Heart Grammar School and St. Aloysius High School, and worked day and night to complete his Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from St. Peter’s College in 1960. With degree in hand, he was able to further a career at Exxon that started in their mailroom in midtown Manhattan, and through hard work, dedication, and an indefatigable spirit, Jack he rose through the ranks to become a respected Senior Oil Trader before retiring after an incredible 42-year career at the organization.

Just as important as providing for the large family he and Betty were raising, Jack was just as committed to his Catholic faith. For 63 years he was an active parishioner of Our Lady of Mercy in Park Ridge. Rooted in his belief that loving God also meant loving all of his neighbors, for more than thirty years Jack helped feed the less fortunate at the Missionary of Charities Soup Kitchen in Newark. Jack was also devoted to ensuring that future generations would grow up in the same love and charity of his faith, so he became an Archdiocesan School Board Member and also served on the Our Lady of Mercy School Board. At OLM, Jack was also instrumental in creating the Girl’s CYO Basketball Program and for many years also served as a Coach and Board Member of the Park Ridge Athletic Association.

Jack is remembered by his brother Bob and sister-in-law Mary Lynn; niece Jennifer; nephew Sean; great-niece Madison; and sister-in-law Sister Elizabeth Ann and was predeceased by his brother Ed Stapleton and niece Diana. Jack exercised his faith in a life well-lived, and he leaves behind a legacy that will live on through his family, and through the countless lives he touched with kindness and devotion. Jack always showed appreciation, never failing to thank those he encountered in his daily life.

Visitation will be held on Friday from 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Becker Funeral Home in Westwood. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday at 11:00 am. Cremation will be held privately.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Missionaries of Charity in Newark, an organization whose mission Jack cared about deeply.