Jeff Walter Staley

Jeff Staley lived an extraordinary life defined by devotion to his career and his children, a work ethic like no other, and a heart that loved deeper than his words could ever express. He was the proud father of seven children-Jeffrey, Donovan, Rachel, Sarah, Jerry, Bobby, and Dakota-and the devoted dad to his beloved fur baby, Maddy, his Boston Terrier. His children were his greatest legacy and he was excited about the opportunity to do things differently with his youngest, Dakota and Bobby. He adored the ground they walked on and the air they breathed, and everything he built in life was for them.

Jeff was widely known as a legend in the property management and multifamily housing industry. He began his career at just seventeen years old in Michigan at Edward Rose & Sons, where his intelligence, drive, and leadership set him apart from everyone else. Rising quickly through the organization, he created their entire training department and company operating procedures, many of which are still in use today.

Later, Jeff relocated to Florida with his then wife Sheryl and their four children, where he held key leadership roles with The Related Group/Related Ross and Atlantic & Pacific Management. Shortly after, they welcomed their 5th child together, a son named Jerry. Years later, Jeff fulfilled his lifelong dream by founding his own property management company. Under his leadership, it grew rapidly, touching countless lives and careers along the way. Jeff exuded business savviness and steadfast confidence and people were drawn to his expertise.

Jeff eventually remarried to Stacey, with whom he had two more children, Bobby and Dakota-two lights he cherished so deeply. No matter the chapter of his life, his purpose never changed: to provide, protect, and create opportunity for his children the best he could.

Out of heartbreak came one of Jeff's most meaningful legacies. After his sister passed away from cancer, leaving behind her young son with special needs CJ, Jeff took him in as his own. This experience inspired him to create The CJ Foundation for Children in Need, a nonprofit supporting children, with a focus on those with autism, so they would have access to care, opportunity, and hope. Jeff was strong, brilliant, determined, loving, extremely stubborn, and endlessly loyal to those in his corner. He did not express his emotions easily, but he loved deeply in his own way, in the way he knew how, and those who knew him understood and felt it.

He was also a legendary prankster, and in his healthy years, laughter often followed. He once buried himself (entire body I might add) in his children's sandbox to scare his parents as they passed by, disguised himself in a ridiculous outfit to sit beside a friend at a bar while pretending to be a stranger, climbed a ladder into a ceiling of an adjacent room to pop out of a ceiling tile, prank called colleagues and friends, and even built a makeshift "crane" to make it look like his dog was flying, once again to scare his parents. Many of these unforgettable moments were shared with his brother Jerry-his lifelong partner in mischief.

Jeff lived and breathed his career, but what set him apart was how he lifted others. He saw potential where others did not, and he also saw opportunity where others didn't. He mentored, encouraged, and pushed people relentlessly to discover their purpose, accepting no excuses along the way. He held high expectations because he believed deeply in those he guided, especially his children.

He loved dogs more than words could capture. At any given time growing up, the house was filled with at least three. They were truly his best friends, and he treated and spoke to them like people. He even created a family tree of his dogs and their lineage. Beyond his love for family and career, Jeff loved antique cars and owned several throughout his life, and was also an avid lover of his Porches. He enjoyed watching football, riding his motorcycle (He was a Harley Davidson guy!) with his brother, children, and friends, and he had a profound passion for agronomy and horticulture. His yard was always the most beautiful in the neighborhood, designed with intention and very meticulous care. Gardening became one of the ways he bonded with his children, especially Sarah and Bobby.

Jeff loved the outdoors. His happiest moments were often spent on his back patio, surrounded by fresh air, plants, and sunlight, grilling hot dogs and Bubba Burgers, his favorite, by the pool, sharing laughter and special moments with those he loved. He was extremely tough and again, expressing his feelings didn't come easily, but he had his own way to show he cared. This was one of those ways. Sarah's son Eli, is close in age to Bobby and Dakota, so they spent a lot of time together and the kids had many sleepovers, playdates, and fun times together over the years, which Jeff loved.

Jeff is survived by his mother, Dolores Staley; his brothers, Jerry Lee Staley and Ron Staley; his children, Jeffrey, Donovan, Rachel, Sarah, Jerry, Dakota, and Bobby; his beloved dog, Maddy; his grandchildren Julian, Angelina, Ava, Abigail, Jasmine, Alana, Eden, Elijah, and the mothers of his children, Sheryl Staley and Stacey Rook, who were important parts of his life.

He is preceded in death by his father, Robert Staley; his sister, Joy Staley; his brothers, Bob Staley and Steve Staley; his son-in-law, Sean Giles; and his beloved dogs-Webster, Selena, Pickles, and Winston-who were truly his children, too.

Jeff Staley's legacy lives on through the lives he shaped, the laughter he sparked, the careers he built, and the children he loved beyond measure. He leaves behind so many who loved and cherished him deeply. A Celebration of Life will be held at one of his favorite places, doing some of his favorite things. It will be held at Caloosa Park on February 8, 2026 at 12 pm where many events were held throughout his life, his daughter played softball, and where later in life he'd take his two youngest Bobby & Dakota on frequent picnics. One of the last presents he purchased was a giant picnic basket for his daughter Sarah, reminiscing at that time on all the amazing picnics he had with Bobby and Dakota, and recommending Sarah do a picnic herself there.

Please join us to Celebrate the Life of Jeff Staley at Caloosa Park, 1300 SW 35th Ave., Boynton Beach, FL 33426 on Sunday, February 8, 2026 at 12:00 pm.