Joseph Richard Staley, 87, of Hagerstown, Md., passed away Saturday, May 17, 2014, at his home.
Born Thursday, May 27, 1926, in Frederick, Md., he was the son of the late Irving E. Staley and the late Emma Grace (Dorcus) Staley.
He attended school in Frederick, and went on to attend Duke University and later graduated from Gettysburg College.
Joe was employed by Potomac Edison for 38 years in various management jobs, retiring as manager of engineering applications and research in 1984.
While working for P.E., he lived in Martinsburg, W.Va. He was active in the community, the Lutheran Church and served as president of the Martinsburg Jaycees. He was transferred to Charles Town, W.Va., as local manager and was active there in the church and civic organizations, including starting the chamber of commerce and serving as its president, and was also 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 a active member of Haven Lutheran Church and served as president of the church council. He also was a life member of BPO Elks Lodge 378 and Fountain Head Country Club, where he served on the board. He also was a life member of the historical society and also a Mason. He was a member of the Potomac Edison Forerunners Club.
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, Fla.; daughter, Marcia Croghan of Shepherdstown, W.Va.; granddaughters, Traci Lee Trenary of Winchester, Va., and 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 in 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 Blvd. North, Hagerstown.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.douglasfiery.com.