Francis "Frank" Thomas Stapleton

November 7, 1942 - July 9, 2013

Francis (Frank) Thomas Stapleton, the youngest of three children born to Thomas (TJ) J. Stapleton, Jr., and Angeline (McCarthy) Stapleton passed from this world following a lengthy battle with cancer. He is survived by Delores (DeeDee) Stapleton; his sisters, Shirleyann Dumolt and Sharron Olsen, his cousins Beverly Stapleton and Judy Kraus, and 9 Nieces/Nephews, 23 Great Nieces/Nephews, and 8 Great Great Nieces/Nephews, many friends and other family members.

Frank was raised in the Northeast part of Kansas City, Missouri in Holy Cross Parish where he attended Holy Cross Grade School, then De La Salle Military Academy where he graduated in 1959. Frank joined the United States Marine Corp serving from 1959-1967 and was honorably discharged as a Veteran of Vietnam. He was a member of the North Kansas City Fire Department from 1968-1988, retiring with the rank of Captain. He had the distinction of being in the first class of the Paramedic Program in the State of Missouri. He earned a Fire Science Degree from Penn-Valley Community College. He owned T. J. Chili Parlor at 819 Walnut in KCMO and TJ's Longhorn Restaurant & Bar at 1414 W. 9th in KCMO. He was a beloved Uncle and Notre Dame "Fighting Irish" Enthusiast.

It was his great honor to be the recipient of the 2006 "Irishman of the Year" for his community service with the Ancient Order of Hibernians, Padraig Pearse Division 1, Kansas City, Missouri; and he was the James J. Clossick "Freedom for All Ireland Award" recipient. He entertained as producer and radio personality for the hugely popular "Celtic Crossings" Sunday morning broadcast. He was selected as the North Kansas City "Employee of the Year" for his commitment to service that was evident to all who had the luck to know him.

A previous Post Commander, Frank was a life member of VFW Post 4050 in North Kansas City and a member of the Pat McGeown Unit of Irish Northern Aid.

The Lenten shrimp dinners, the St. Patrick's Day Parades, Irish Fest, family gatherings, and Notre Dame games will never be enough without him.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 9:30 AM Monday, July 15th at St John the Baptist Catholic Church, 708 N 4th St, Kansas City, KS. Burial, with military honors, will be at 12:30 PM Monday at Leavenworth National Cemetery. Friends may call from 4-6 PM Sunday at the McGilley Antioch Chapel where a rosary will be prayed at 5:30 PM.