Major Matthew Jeremy Stapleton

September 19, 1966 - August 24, 2008
Major Matthew Jeremy Stapleton


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Major Matthew J. Stapleton, 41, of Wilmington passed away Sunday, August 24, 2008 at Lower Cape Fear Hospice and LifeCareCenter from melanoma, with his family and close friends by his side.

Matthew is preceded in death by his mother Mary Dolkas.

He is survived by his wife Mary K. Stapleton of the home, daughters Hannah, Sarah and Norah Stapleton of the home and brothers Judd and Chase Stapleton.

Matthew was a teacher at New Hanover High School for 8 years where he taught US History and Drivers Education. He also coached Girls Track and Cross Country. Matthew enlisted in the US Army in 1984 where he served as an Intelligence Analyst. In 1990 he enlisted in the North Carolina National Guard where he later received his commission and became active in 2005. Major Stapleton’s experience includes a tour in Bosnia and combat in Iraq.

A funeral mass will be 11:00 AM, Saturday, August 30, 2008 at St. Mark Catholic Church where the family will receive friends from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, Friday. A prayer service will begin at 6:00 PM Friday. Interment in Wilmington National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Stapleton Family Fund C/O Carolina First Bank.

Condolences may be sent to www.wilmingtonburialandcremation.com

Wilmington Burial and Cremation Service, 1535 S 41st Street, Wilmington, NC 28403 910.791.9099


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  • September 04, 2008
    Rachel Murchison says:
    I count Coach Stapleton as one of my favorite teachers of all time. I had the pleasure of knowing him both as a teacher of US history and as a cross country and track coach. He was a funny, smart and inspiring person, and I know that he was loved and respected by so many students. I am so sorry to hear this news and extend my deepest sympathies to his family.

  • August 28, 2008
    Lynda Rutherford says:
    Mary, you and the girls are in my thoughts and prayers. I used to work at Trask Middle School and it was a pleasure to talk with you and get to know your daughters. I'm so sorry for your lost.

  • August 28, 2008
    Chris Sayed says:
    Mr. Stapleton was a great teacher and always made history a little more fun than usual. The thought of his orange and white pickup trailing behind me during cross-country practice will always make me run a little bit faster. I appreciated knowing Mr. Stapleton and am sorry for your loss. Chris Sayed

  • August 28, 2008
    Natalyn Wallin says:
    My prayers & thought are with you all during this tough time. Matt was an awesome guy & a awesome teacher. Even though I never had him as a teacher, I wish I did. He was a good surfing buddy to my dad & brother. I will always remember him coming by my parents house to grab a board & head down to the beach... but he ALWAYS had a smile on his face & a joke to tell. He will be truly, truly missed.

  • August 29, 2008
    Robyn Stapleton says:
    The summer of 1978 was the best summer of my life. I spent several months with my cousins Matt, Judd, and Chase. Matt and I would sneak off to go to the beach and boogie board all day. Those memories of Matt will remain dear to my heart. He will be missed and thought of often.