Lee L. Staples Sr.

Lee L. Staples Sr., 69
     PORTLAND - Lee L. Staples Sr., 69, of Allen Avenue, died Sunday, Feb. 12, 2006 at his residence.
     He was born in South Paris on Nov. 28, 1936, the son of George and Laura Hutchins Staples, and attended Portland schools. Mr. Staples later earned his Bachelor's Degree from the University of Maine, Portland in 1963.
     Mr. Staples served in the U.S. Army, and was a veteran of the Korean Conflict.
     Mr. Staples first worked as a claims adjuster, and then began a career in sales, first with the 3-M Company, and later for 15 years with Warner Lambert Pharmaceutical Co., covering Maine and New Hampshire. Mr. Staples was also retired from the Massachusetts Laborers Union, Local #327. Most recently, he and his wife Irene owned and operated Renee's Variety for the past 19 years, eight months.
     Mr. Staples was a life member of the V.F.W. Post #832, and a member of the American Legion Post #161 and the AmVets Loring Post #25. He was also a life member of the Portland Elks Lodge #188, and belonged to the Portland Eagles #565 and the Italian Heritage Center.
     Mr. Staples was very active in the Masons. He was a Past Master of the Triangle Lodge #1, a Past High Priest of the Mt. Vernon Royal Arch Chapter #1, a Past Illustrious Master of the Portland Council of Royal and Select Masters, a Past Grand Steward of the Grand Royal Arch chapter of Maine, Past President of the Maine High Priests Association, a member of the St. Albans Commandery, a member of the Scottish Rite Bodies 32nd Degree, a member of the Knights of the Red Cross of Constantine, and a member of the Kora Temple Shrine.
     He was an avid hunter and fisherman, and enjoyed all sports. He was a longtime member of the Maine Dart Association and played on many dart teams around the Portland area. He was a charter member of and an active member in the Greater Portland Ten Pin Bowling Association.
     Mr. Staples was predeceased by his sister, Ruth Staples, in 1932.
     Besides his beloved wife of over 30 years, Irene M. (Fusco) Staples, he is survived by four children, Laura Lynn Laskey of Windham, Leigh Ann Staples of Portland, and Lee L. Staples, Jr. and Robert E. Staples, both of Gray; his brother, Howard A. Staples of Gray; seven grandchildren; and a great-grandson.
    
     In lieu of flowers, donations in Mr. Staples' name may be made to:
    The Shriner's Burn Center
    51 Blossom St.
    Boston, MA 02114
    
     Visiting hours will be 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 16 at the Conroy-Tully Crawford South Portland Chapel, 1024 Broadway, South Portland. Prayers will be recited at the chapel at 9:15 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 17, followed by a 10 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial at St. Peter's Roman Catholic Church, 72 Federal St., Portland. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery, South Portland.
    Lee L. Staples Sr.
    172 State Street, Portland, Maine 04101
    1024 Broadway, South Portland, Maine 04106
    (207) 773-6511 Fax (207) 773-9622
    INDEPENDENTLY OWNED & FAMILY OPERATED