Arlene D. Staples

Arlene D. Staples, 79, of East Stroudsburg, died Sunday evening, March 9, 2025, at the Lehigh Valley Hospice House - Pocono in East Stroudsburg, with her two children by her side. She was the widow of Robert E. Staples with whom she shared 57 years of marriage at the time of his death on March 5, 2024. Born on December 11, 1945 in Verona, NY, Arlene was a daughter of the late Charles and Grace (Zaeble) Raymond. In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by two brothers, Kenneth Raymond and Bob Raymond. Arlene worked for the A.B. Wyckoff store in Stroudsburg and years later in the office at Shawnee Academy. A wonderful seamstress, Arlene shared her talents by making tons of costumes for high school productions, countless outfits for Cabbage Patch Kids, and innumerable alterations for family and friends. Arlene was a long-time member of the East Stroudsburg United Methodist Church, where her faith and love of community flourished and remained strong throughout her life. Growing up on a farm in Verona NY, Arlene loved the outdoors, was an avid gardener and loved taking walks around her neighborhood. She was a good friend with a kind soul who was always quick to smile and laugh. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends. Surviving are two children, Jeffrey Staples (wife Janet Smith-Staples) of Clayton, NY and Jill Iaconetti of East Stroudsburg; five grandchildren, Eliot Staples of Ottawa, Canada, Brian Iaconetti of Philadelphia, Angelo Iaconetti V of Philadelphia, Marcus Iaconetti of East Stroudsburg and Sophia Iaconetti of East Stroudsburg; a great-grandson, August Sol Iaconetti; two sisters, Nancy Kohlmeyer of Vernon, NY and Carol Raymond of Yelm, Washington; and nieces and nephews. Services will be held on Saturday, March 15th, at the East Stroudsburg United Methodist Church, 83 South Courtland Street, East Stroudsburg with visitation beginning at 10:00AM followed by the funeral service at 11:00AM with Rev. Samuel "Kofi" Ashley officiating. Burial will follow at Prospect Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial remembrances be made to the East Stroudsburg United Methodist Church.