Joseph Richard Staley

Joseph Richard Staley, 87, of Hagerstown, Maryland, passed away Saturday, May 17, 2014, at his home.

Born Thursday, May 27, 1926, in Frederick, Maryland, he was the son of the late Irving E. Staley and the late Emma Grace (Dorcus) Staley.

He attended school in Frederick, then went on to attend Duke University, and later graduated from Gettysburg College. Joe was employed with Potomac Edison for 38 years in various management jobs, retiring as Manager of Engineering Applications & Research in 1984. While working for P.E., he lived in Martinsburg, was active in the community and with the Lutheran Church, and served as president of the Martinsburg Jaycees. He was transferred to Charles Town as local manager, and was active there in the church and civic organizations, including starting the Chamber of Commerce and serving as its President. He also was President of the Retired Business Men’s Association, and was named Jefferson County’s Outstanding Man of the Year. He moved to Hagerstown in 1962 and has been active in the Suburban Kiwanis Club and in various board and committee capacities. He served on the advisory board of the “Retired Seniors Volunteer Program” since its inception in 1973. He was an active member of Haven Lutheran Church and served as President of the Church Council. He was also a life member of the B.P.O. Elks Lodge 378, Fountainhead Country Club, where he served on the board. Also was a life member of the Historical Society and also a Mason. He has devoted much time and financial support to numerous charities. During his retirement years, he enjoyed traveling and antiquing.

He is survived by his wife, Diana Rae Staley; son, Eric R. Staley of Homosassa, Florida; daughter, Marcia Croghan of Shepherdstown; granddaughter, Traci Lee Trenary of Winchester, Virginia; granddaughter, April Elaine Morris of Hagerstown; numerous stepchildren, grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and special friends, Jackie and Bruce Winter. He loved all of them.

Services will be held privately.

Interment will be at the Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Frederick.

Memorial donations may be made to Haven Lutheran Church,1035 Haven Road Hagerstown, MD 21742.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Douglas A. Fiery Funeral Home, 1331 Eastern Boulevard North, Hagerstown.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.douglasfiery.com.