Robert Francis Stapleton

Robert Francis Stapleton, 68 of Tavares, Florida and a former resident of Brewerton, New York went to be with the Lord in heaven where he is no longer in pain and his Buffalo Bills win every Superbowl.

He passed away on Monday, January 19, 2026, in Orlando, Florida. Mr. Stapleton was born in Utica, New York to John R. Stapleton and Helen Olech Stapleton. He moved to the Syracuse area and attended West Genesee High School. In 1977, he married the former Catherine Noboa and began their life together. Bob worked for the American Cancer Society, NYS Division as Building and Grounds Superintendent for 8 years. He was a member of Laborers Local 633, having almost a 30-year career with Murnane Building Contractors. He retired as a project superintendent. He received the Greater Syracuse Builders Exchange Award for supervision for craftsmanship on the Baker Lab, ESF College Renovation project in 2009. He always believed in treating people that worked for you the way you would want to be treated. When possible, there was always a grill on his projects and lunch was often hamburgers, hot dogs or grilled chicken. On hot days, he had a rule his crew would have an afternoon popsicle break as relief from the heat. His motto was "Work smart not hard" and "the right tool for the job" makes it happen.

In 2019, He realized his lifelong dream of moving to Florida. He and Cathy settled in a beautiful community in Tavares. He loved every moment living there, often commenting how blessed they were. He enjoyed puttering around the house, gardening and perfecting his pizza and Italian bread recipes, and hanging out in his garage and enjoying friends that dropped by. Those friends helped make living the dream even better, quickly becoming more like family. His entire life, he was always willing to lend a hand, tool or advice to someone who needed it on a project. But his greatest enjoyment came from his family and friends.

He is survived by his wife, Catherine (Noboa) Stapleton of 48 years, His daughter Sarah who he was immensely proud of and also inherited her Dad's do it yourself skills; being his right hand person over the years helping with many projects, the latest a full renovation of their Florida kitchen that he planned out perfectly. His son-in-law, Tim, who he respected and admired and felt he was more a son than a son-in-law. His beautiful granddaughter Madison, who shares her Grandpa's love of the Buffalo Bills. His grandson Alec, who shares his Grandpas love of building things and seeing how things work. He is also survived by three siblings, his brother Ken Stapleton of Cicero, whom he was very close with, a sister Pat Baker and brother Rick Stapleton both of Pennsylvania. Also surviving is his brother from another mother and best friend of over 45 years, Bill Beacham of Syracuse. When Bob moved to Florida, they overcame long distance by sharing a "Friday 5 pm "happy hour" phone call every week since Bob moved to Florida. He adored his faithful and loving beagle Abby, who never left his side from the moment she was rescued and the two shared a special bond.

Bob always put others before himself, so in lieu of flowers donations can be made to your favorite charity.

Final arrangements will be updated on the funeral website when details are available.