John A. Stapleford Jr.

John A. Stapleford Jr, 49, of Bear, DE, passed away Tuesday, March 12, 2024, from complications of long-term health issues. John was born October 19, 1974, in Wilmington, DE. He graduated from Saint Mark's High School in 1992 and went on to the University of Delaware, where he got his Bachelor of Arts in History degree. From a young age, John had many interests. He loved sports and was a fan of the Philadelphia Phillies, Philadelphia Flyers and the Dallas Cowboys. He enjoyed watching NASCAR, Premier League Soccer and the occasional pro wrestling show. John also loved music, especially Pearl Jam and early 80's, reading books by Stephen Donaldson and Jim Butcher, and above all, writing fiction. His dream was to become a published author, and had several pieces in the works, going back often to edit or add to a story. Growing up, John was a member of the Boy Scouts of America, achieving the rank of Eagle Scout in the spring of 1992. He attended Camp Rodney Scout Reservation in North East, MD during the summer, and eventually became a staff member. Those that knew John, knew he was a "proud Democrat," to use his own words. He actively started following politics in the late 70's during the end of the Carter presidency. Political history and events were a passion of his, and he followed news and world events avidly. If you had a different point of view from him, he would enjoy having an intelligent discussion with you about it, without getting nasty or rude. He believed everyone was entitled to their opinions and did his best to respect that. John also loved video games and movies of most genres, and TV shows like M*A*S*H, Babylon 5, The West Wing and Battlestar Galactica. His favorite movies, among others, included Star Wars Return of the Jedi, A Few Good Men, The Wedding Singer and When Harry Met Sally, which was a New Years Eve tradition to watch for him and his wife every year. John met his wife, Melissa, while playing an online Star Wars game. Melissa didn't like him when they initially "met" on the game in 1994, but the following year she got to know him better and they started dating February 22, 1995. Their relationship was long distance for2 years, with John in Delaware and Melissa In New York State. In 1997, Melissa moved to Delaware to be with him, and they were engaged that spring. They got married 2 years later, in Wappingers Falls, NY on October 23, 1999. John suffered from many medical conditions during his life, but he never let them hold him back. He fought to have a "normal" life, despite having several disabilities. John and Melissa never had children due to his disabilities but were the happy parents to 6 cats over the 24 years of marriage. John loved his role of Cat Daddy and would proudly talk about his fur babies to anyone that would listen. John's life was so full of events, people, activities, and memories that it's impossible to sum up in a few paragraphs. He was truly an amazing man, full of love, intelligence, humor, kindness and faith. He enjoyed meeting new people and learning new things. His life was short, but so full at the same time. John is survived by his beloved wife, Melissa Stapleford of Bear, DE; his parents, John A Stapleford Sr and Patricia Stapleford of North East, MD; a sister. Susanna and brother-in-law, Thad Gough of Elkton, MD; a sister-in-law, Barbara Allen of Hughsonville, NY; a niece and nephew; and several aunts, uncles and cousins. He was predeceased by his parents-in-law, Dwight and Judy Allen of Hughsonville, NY. A visitation only will be held Wednesday, Mach 20, 2024, from 6-8 PM at Strano & Feeley Family Funeral Home, I635 Churchmans Rd., Newark, DE 19702. In lieu of flowers, his wife is asking for donations to Faithful Friends Animal Society, 165 Airport Rd, New Castle, DE, 19720, an organization that was important to John and Melissa during their life together. For directions or to send an online condolence, visit www.stranofeeley.com

John A. Stapleford Jr.

October 19, 1974 - March 12, 2024

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