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MICHAEL STAPLETON Obituary


Col. MICHAEL P. STAPLETON  
Of Lorton, VA, died August 16, 2012. He is survived by his wife, Christine; and three children, Jone, 18; James, 16; and Jasmine, 8. He is also survived by his parents, Thomas and Julia Stapleton of Hertford, NC; a brother, Thomas Stapleton Jr. of Charlotte, NC, and sister Maureen Stapleton of London. A funeral mass will be held Thursday, Aug. 23 at 11 a.m. at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church in Lake Ridge, VA. This will be preceded by a gathering time in the church from 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Interment will take place at Arlington National Cemetery at a date still to be determined.

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Published by The Washington Post on Aug. 22, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for MICHAEL STAPLETON

Not sure what to say?





Boozer Paolillo

August 16, 2023

I can only imagine the impact you would´ve had on those you never met if you were still with us BamBam. Blue skies....

Alucia Marshall

August 16, 2021

Still missed and remembered

David Paolillo

August 16, 2020

BamBam, you are still missed.

Anne & Kirk Sinn

June 22, 2020

Knew Stapes since USAFF days. RIP, our friend. Fondest memories. So honored & happy having been part of your life. "Yes, this is my truck; no, I won't help you move-well, actually, yes, I will." Amazingly wonderul person.

Tracy King

September 12, 2012

Thank you for the memories at National. I miss you brother.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Christine and the family.

Tracy King

Elise Delaney

September 7, 2012

All our sympathy to the Stapleton Family, you are in our thoughts and prayers. The Delaney Family of Boonton Twsp., NJ

Scott Brocious

August 31, 2012

So sorry to see him go. What an honorable and strong man to the last. He truly lived with dignity. It was my honor to be his nurse in the ICU in those last few days.

Dee Gierlicz

August 29, 2012

Mike was the kind of guy any parent would want for a son, any wife would want for a husband, any kid would want for a father. But apparently God needed this kind of person for His work, too. Rest in peace, Mike; we will think of you always.

Matt Kurpaski

August 29, 2012

Very sorry to hear this. He was a fine mentor and somebody that truly carried about people. We should celebrate his life and our memories of him.

Jose Perez

August 26, 2012

Mike touch many lives he was great person and a great American...I will never forget you Bam Bam. God bless your family.

Julie Harris-Kelly

August 25, 2012

Love and prayers to Christine and the kids. Bam Bam will be missed by so many whose lives were graciously touched by him!!! See you on the other side, Mike!!!!!!

David Paolillo

August 24, 2012

Bam Bam.... Here's a toast sir. Blue skies and tailwinds.

Maureen Knott

August 24, 2012

So sorry to hear this, I remembering Michael, growing up across the street from his family....very sorry..

Kirk Johnson

August 24, 2012

A Great Father, Husband, Warrior, Pilot, Mentor and Friend. I will miss you Bam Bam.

Brian Bass

August 24, 2012

God's speed and clear skies Bam Bam. An officer and a gentleman for sure, an incredible instructor and pilot, and a wonderful family man. I never saw him without a smile. God be with the Stapleton family and if it may bring you a moment of peace please know Michael touched many lives. My prayers are with you.

Paddy Harrigian

August 23, 2012

What a wonderful example of courage and valor in the midst of greatest challenges. Your testimonies of faith, family and friends will always be remembered as well as your USAF dedication. My prayers continue for Christine and the family.

Chief Charlie McCoy, Ret.

August 23, 2012

I remember Michael as a young alter boy, pretty capable snare drummer, and a fine young man who you knew was going to be very successful in his life. I rarely passed up the opportunity to brag about him as he climbed the ladder of success. He is now in the palm of God's hands.

Carolyn Peeler

August 23, 2012

What an awesome person, he will be missed. May god bless the Stapleton Family

Kurt Becker

August 22, 2012

Bam Bam, You were my sponsor, my mentor, my teacher, my friend, and one of my all time heroes. To me, you were the ultimate example of a Fighter Pilot and a family man, where love of God, Family, and country are your driving principles. I am mourning the fact that you are no longer in this world, but I am happy and treasure all the things that you taught me. Speed is life, Dont blow up. Thank you for everything, Bak

Tami Viskochil

August 22, 2012

We have lost a true Patriot. God bless you Col Stapleton and your family.

Shawn Beard

August 22, 2012

Col. Stapleton was a fine man, an man who carried his values with the utmost pride. His beliefs in God and country were admirable, as was his dedication to family. Living in pain and agony is no more for this great Airman! May God's light shine on him and his family be embraced by the strength of god's arms surrounding them. God bless you, your family, and all that is great that this stoic man stood for.

Dave & Tammy List

August 22, 2012

The most inspiring Commander we ever had is now resting peacefully in heaven. Prayers to his beautiful family.

Danielle Synnett

August 22, 2012

Sir, You definately were a hero to me. Thank you for taking care of me and my son when we needed it the most. Rest in peace sir and I sure hope you welcome me into the heavenly kingdom when my time comes. Love you sir!

August 22, 2012

Autumn Walker

August 22, 2012

He was such a great leader and even more of an inspiration. May he rest peacefully and God be with his family.

Kimberly S

August 22, 2012

Col Stapleton, Thank you for being such an awesome example of humanity. I was in the 49 FW when the RPA squadrons stood up under the wing. I remember you coming in the squadron and always wearing a smile, asking us how we were, and actually listening to the answer. Thank you for your leadership, thank you for your example. You will be missed.

James Myrick

August 22, 2012

An amazing man and a true blessing to all he encountered. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.

Glenn Boe

August 22, 2012

The most positive and thoughtful leader, man and friend a person could have. You will be missed.

JoAnn Porter

August 22, 2012

As you remember Michael, celebrate the life of an outstanding individual and truly committed professional. He always made time for his family and his faith. I will remember Michael as one of the first Lectors that I trained at St. Dominic. He was great at it! May God bless you Christine, Jon, James and Jasmine.

Tom Connolly

August 22, 2012

An inspiration and role model to everyone he encountered and a blessing from God to all of us.

Shelica Jackson

August 22, 2012

You will truly be missed.

TSgt Shelica Jackson

Alucia Davis

August 22, 2012

What an extroadinary leader, mentor, commander and person Col Stapleton was. He was a commander that I looked up to and kept up with after I left Tyndall just because I valued hearing from him. I will miss hearing from him and know that he is making God smile right now. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.

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