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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  • August 28, 2008
    David L. Holden says:
    Dear Stapleton Family, What a pleasure it was to have gotten to know Matt over the years as a fellow teacher, coach, and friend! I will always remember and admire him for his energy, enthusiasm, ability, and dedication to you and to his country. He will always be one of my heroes in education and in life. I loved his sense of humor and he had that certain light in his eyes that could brighten up any day. I always looked forward to talking with him on days when we had common track or cross country meets. All of you will be in my thoughts and prayers.

  • August 28, 2008
    Kenneth Lee says:
    Truly one of the greatest Officers I have worked with and had the pleasure knowing. My heart felt sympathies goes to his family. He will be truly missed and will never be forgotten. Rest in Peace MAJ Stapleton.

  • August 28, 2008
    sally bean says:
    I was so saddened to hear of Matt's passing. I taught with Matt at NHHS and think of him walking briskly down the hall with coffee cup in hand. Both of my daughters, Cady and Meghan Bean-Smith considered him one of the best teachers that they had in school. Peace to his family .

  • August 28, 2008
    Ed, Laura, Jack Eva, and Maddie says:
    To Mary and the girls, we love you very much. You are in our hearts and prayers. We will share many special memories of Uncle Matt.