Mike was a son, husband, father, pop pop, brother, uncle and wonderful friend and most of all a Marine. On September 27, 2017 he lost his battle to lung and heart disease. Born on January 14, 1943 to Thomas J and Margaret Mahedy Stapleton. He graduated from St. Joseph’s Prep in Philadelphia in 1960 . He served proudly in the United State Marine Corps from 1961-1965. He attended St. Joseph’s University and began a sales career that spanned 4 decades. He married the love of his life Janet (shillinger) Stapleton in 1968. They were blessed with two wonderful sons, Michael F. Stapleton, Jr (Julie) and William C. Stapleton (Tara). The joy of Mike’s life were his grandchildren, Timothy, Moira, Daniel, Joseph, Erin, Harper, Teagan and Brecken. Born and raised in Philadelphia, Mike and Janet moved to Rochester NY in 1976 where he continued his sales career and owned his own manufacturer’s representative business. He retired from Stapleton Marketing Associates in 2004 and moved with Janet to Marco Island, FL a dream they both shared. In retirement mike found his love of the Marine Corps in the E.T. Brisson Marine Corp League where he served proudly as their chaplain. He was the Chaplain of the American Legion of Marco as well. A member of the Knights of Columbus since 1976 he was active in the San Marco Council serving as deputy grand knight and lecturer. Like any little boy, he loved Fire Engines. He served on the Marco Island Fire Foundation board of directors and had great pride in the good work they did for the men and women of MIFD. He loved his Catholic Faith and shared it with Janet through Marriage preparation ministry. Shortly after becoming a member of San Marco Catholic church Mike and Janet became very involved in their beloved parish. They coordinated the altar server ministry. He loved the kids and taught them well! He was a Lector, known for his powerful voice. A member of St. Vincent DePaul Society, Mike and Janet began the annual thanksgiving drive for food for the needy of Collier County. He will be very missed by his family and friends. Services will be held at San Marco Catholic Church on Saturday, September 30 at 11:00. Mike’s family will receive guests at 10:00 a.m. in the narthex of church. His ashes will be interred in the memorial garden. A reception will follow to celebrate the man with the big heart and big smile.

In lieu of flowers please consider donations to Holy Childhood , 100 Groton Parkway, Rochester, NY 14623. Gilchrist Kids, or Society of St. Vincent DePaul, San Marco Catholic Church.