Obituary of Thomas Staley

Thomas E. Staley Age 88. At rest Sunday, November 8, 2015, surrounded by his loving family at Sunny Hill Nursing Home. Born in Omaha, Nebraska. He graduated from Creighton Prep High School. After high school, he played professional baseball with the St. Louis Cardinals organization and later with the New York Giant organization. He joined the Navy in November 1944, serving in the South Pacific. After service, he went to college and graduated from St. Ambrose in 1950 and later the University of Illinois. In Davenport, IA, Tom met Colleen Lemley and was married for 62 wonderful years. Their marriage produced two beautiful children, Candace and Michael. In 1956, Tom and family moved to Joliet to join his father in the family business, Staley's Home Furnishings. He left the furniture business to begin teaching in the Troy School District, where he later served as Principal of Troy Shorewood School, where he made many good friends. He retired in 1990. After retiring, Tom spent his time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, his family home in Wisconsin, and watching his beloved Chicago Cubs. Survived by one son, Michael Staley (Karla Wojcik) of Joliet; five grandchildren: Vanessa (Mark) Schmitt of Chicago, Carrie (Corey) Hromek of Joliet, Lauren (Ed) Ferry of Joliet, Joshua Mancuso and Andrew Mancuso, of Joliet; four great-grandchildren, Mia and Christian Hromek, Matthew Ferry, and Max Schmitt; one brother, Donald in Sarasota, FL; one niece, Denise Werner; six nephews, Mark Werner, Doug, Denny, Pete, Todd and Tom DeDecker; and many cousins and close friends Tom made over the years. He is preceded in death by his wife, Martha Colleen (nee Lemley) Staley; daughter, Candace Mancuso; son-in-law, Samuel Mancuso; sisters, Patricia Werner, Rosemary DeDecker; and his parents, Fred and Margaret Staley. Funeral Services for Thomas E. Staley will be held Saturday, November 14, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black at Essington Rds., Joliet. Fr. Brad Baker officiating with full military honors under the auspices of the United States Navy. Private interment Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations to the donor's charity of choice would be appreciated. Visitation Friday, 2-7 p.m. at the funeral home. For more information: (815) 741-5500.