Leonard Staley

Leonard Steele Staley, 93, of Charlevoix, passed away on Tuesday, March 14, 2023, with his family at his side.  He was born on December 9, 1929, in Mount Olive, North Carolina, the son of Frank and Mamie (Duncan) Staley.

Leonard graduated from Sault St. Marie High School, and furthered his education at Lake Superior State University as well as Central Michigan University.  Shortly after, he served in the United States Marine Corps.  Leonard raised his family in Charlevoix where he taught English and coached basketball & football for several years.  For the remainder of his working life, he supported Michigan public school employees as a labor relations consultant for the Michigan Education Association.

Leonard was an involved parishioner at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, and he also belonged to the Knights of Columbus and Elks Lodge.  He enjoyed golfing, hiking, spending time on the beach, and Lake Michigan sunsets.  He was also a skilled musician; he played piano, harmonica, guitar, and could sing with the best of them. 

Leonard is survived by four daughters, Patrice Stieglitz (Mark Thompson) of Charlevoix, Lisa Staley of Charlevoix, Marybeth (Garrett) Morelock of Rochester, and Jami (Dave) Scharrer of Rochester; his sister, Virginia Vannata of Palm City, FL; and 10 grandchildren, Miranda Stieglitz, Chase Stieglitz, Jacob (Amber) Warren, Rachael (Andrew) Taylor, Madison (Kane) Hayes, Lily Morelock, Taylor Morelock, Garrett Morelock, Tripp Scharrer, and Tillie Scharrer.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Jacqueline Staley; his parents, Frank and Mamie Staley; two brothers, Bud Staley and Frank Staley; and a sister, Tillie Sylvester.

A memorial mass will take place at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Charlevoix on Saturday, April 22, 2023 at 10:00 a.m.  Burial with military honors to follow at 1:00 p.m. in St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery.  There will also be a celebration of his life on Tuesday, July 18, 2023 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Charlevoix Yacht Club.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary’s Catholic Church or the Elks Lodge of Charlevoix.

Arrangements are in the care of the Charlevoix Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes.  Please sign his online guestbook at www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com