John C. Staley

ASHTABULA - John Charles Staley, 53, of State Road South, died Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2003, at his home.

He was born Feb. 2, 1950, in Geneva, the son of Walter and Mary (Cauffield) Staley, and had been a lifelong area resident. He was a 1968 Geneva High School graduate and also received a degree in electrical engineering from Kent State University's Ashtabula campus.

He was a mail carrier at Ashtabula's post office for 18 years and never missed a day of work. He served in the Air Force for six years and was a Vietnam War veteran. He also served in the Ohio National Guard for 17 years.

He was a member of Christ Episcopal Church, a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion-Dewey Howlett Post 103, and the Ashtabula Rod and Gun Club. He also coached Little League at Cedarquist Park. In his leisure time he was an avid fisherman and deer hunter and enjoyed sharing those hobbies with his grandchildren.

Survivors include his mother, of Jefferson; his wife, the former Mary Lou Watson, whom he married Jan. 2, 1983; two stepdaughters, Tracy Laurello of Ashtabula and Hope Staley of Daytona Beach, Fla.; a son, Jason S. Staley of Gainesville, Fla.; a stepson, Tom Schupska of Ocala, Fla.; a sister, Bonnie Louise Eidens of Ashtabula; and four grandchildren, Jessica, Lindsay, Zachary and Kobe. He was preceded in death by his father.

Service is 8 p.m. Friday, at Ducro Funeral Services and Crematory, 4524 Elm Ave., Ashtabula. The Rev. Vernon Palo, of Plymouth United Methodist Church, will officiate. A graveside service will take place Saturday at Evergreen Cemetery in Geneva, where full military honors will be held.

Calling hours at the funeral home are 6 p.m. Friday until the time of service. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Ashtabula County, 2420 Lake Ave., Ashtabula, 44004.