Thomas Joseph Stapleton, 70, of Ann Arbor, Michigan, passed on, with family by his side, to his new spiritual life on March 7, 2021 after several years as a resident at Regency at Bluffs Park. On February 17, 2021, Tom began Arbor Hospice while remaining at the Bluffs. On September 12, 2013, Tom had suffered a severe spinal cord injury after a fall at his home. He has spent the past seven and a half years fighting - and succeeding - in achieving a purposeful life.
Tom was the fourth child of Helen (Fehr) Stapleton and Francis M. Stapleton, born on May 18, 1950, in Syracuse, New York. Tom graduated from Christian Brothers Academy in 1968 and Clarkson University in 1972, with a BS degree in Industrial Distribution. Upon graduation, Tom began a successful career as a sales representative, initially with Sybron, followed by Nalge and Corning corporations. After retiring from Corning, he was employed by Dot Scientific.
Tom is survived by his five siblings, F. Michael (Kathleen) of Cortland, NY; Patricia Stapleton, of Syracuse NY; Terence (Gregory) Stapleton of Elizabethtown, NY; Kathryn (Thierry) Couturier of Santa Monica, CA; Susan Stapleton of Baldwinsville, NY; and honorary siblings, Perry and Casey Francis, of Ann Arbor; several cousins, nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. He is also survived by many dear friends including his community at the Bluffs. Tom treasured his relationships.
Memorial services will be held in Ann Arbor and Syracuse later in the spring. Memorial donations may be made to Tom's spiritual community at Lord of Light Lutheran Church, 801 S Forest St., Ann Arbor 48104 or to Arbor Hospice, 2366 Oak Valley Dr., Ann Arbor 48103.
A special thank you to the wonderful staff and caregivers at Regency at Bluffs Park.