David H. Staley

I send my condolences to the Staley Family. I am an Ohio Wesleyan University alumnus. I knew Dave way back when I was an undergraduate. Whenever I have returned to Ohio Wesleyan over the years for Homecoming or for Class Reunions, Dave and his wife,Pat,would let me stay in their home. They were very gracious hosts. I enjoyed running and swimming with Dave, also. He was quite an accomplished athlete.

Laura, so very sorry for the loss of your father. I remember him and the chats we had regarding politics. He was a gentle wonderful man. Prayers to you and your family. Jacque Leist

I live in North Carolina and learned about this wonderful man from a friend in another state. What an inspiration to us all, and I send my condolences. I appreciate being reminded of how to treat others, how to work for change and how to be a good citizen.

I thought I knew Dave Staley. He was one of my favorite college professors. I saw him stand up for students as a member of the Delaware School Board. I always knew he was active with my political party. But as I read his obituary, I realize that there is much I didn't know. Maybe, his understated nature and modesty kept him from telling us everything he was doing.

I had no idea that he was a star athlete in high school and college with hundreds of triathlons under his belt. He was active on the election board for 40 years? He stayed in great shape his whole life and participated in hundreds of triathlons while chairing the math department and attending hundreds, no, make that thousands, of community meetings? At age 66, he went to the Hawaii Ironman and was second in his age group? I knew he was active in local politics, but I had no idea that he was that active. This is a life lived perfectly.

I was familiar with part of Professor Staley's life. I can only say that he was a wonderful teacher who was devoted to his students, someone who was constantly working to make the community a better place to live, an advocate for individuals trying to stand up for themselves, and a great friend. He made Delaware better for everyone. We will miss him.

Lee Tilson