Tom was a graduate of Newport Catholic High School and Thomas More College. A proud Veteran,  he served our country in the US Navy as a Disbursing Clerk, Petty Officer 1st Class. He retired from Procter & Gamble after 34 years. Needing to provide for his large family, Tom also owned his own bookkeeping and tax service and the Newport Plaza Barbers Barbershop.  

Nothing made Tom happier than spending time with his family. He never met a stranger and was a friend to all who knew him. His stories were legendary and will be told for generations to come.  He was a brilliant man known by his children as a human calculator, a fierce scrabble opponent, a lover of dogs, fair-minded and generous to all. 

Tom passed away on June 22, 2023. He was born on April 18, 1931 in Covington, Kentucky to the late Robert and Thelma Stapleton (nee Fernandez). Tom is survived by his devoted spouse Joan (nee Fessler), his children Tom (Cathie), Ken (Martha), Maureen Small, Jeff (Wendy), Patti McKnight, and Terry (Tasha),  20 grandchildren, and 8 great grandchildren. Tom and Joan raised their six children on Hope Lane in Erlanger, Kentucky and all the children attended St. Henry’s Catholic School.   

Written by Ann Colyer

Banner is on display in Erlanger, May – September 2024 – 2026.