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Charles Darby Stapp
03/12/1923 — 01/21/2004
From Richland, WA, US | Born in Birmingham, Alabama
Charles Darby Stapp
Charles Darby Stapp
Charles D. Stapp, 80, died peacefully on January 21, 2004, in Richland, WA. Charles was born on March 12, 1923, in Birmingham, AL, to Frank J. and Eunice Darby Stapp. He graduated from Howard College now Samford University with a business degree. He had lived in the Tri-Cities for 8 years.
Charles enlisted in the U.S. Navy in September 1942. He was one of the original frogmen assigned to the Underwater Demolition Teams and served in the South Pacific throughout the War. While on leave, he met Carol Koos in Asbury Park, N.J. They married prior to his departure to the Pacific Theatre. After the War, they began a family in Westfield, N.J. Following Carols death in 1956, Charles raised their three children alone. He was honorably discharged from the U.S. Naval Reserve in 1958, having achieved the rank of Lieutenant Jg. In 1960, he married Nancy Nagle, and had another child. Nancy passed away in 1994.
Upon release from the Navy in 1946, Charles began a career in the retail furniture industry in New Jersey working for his father-in-law at Koos Bros. He rose through the ranks, eventually becoming President in 1960. He was widely recognized for his merchandising prowess, and in 1967 was elected President of the National Retail Furniture Association. In 1971, he left Koos Bros. and started his own chain of furniture stores in California and Nevada. He later lived in Costa Rica, Birmingham, Atlanta, and finally Kennewick.
Charles background was highlighted by recognition for advancement of the cause of human rights. In 1966, he received the Brotherhood Award from the National Conference for Community and Justice, then known as the National Conference of Christians and Jews. The NCCJ was founded in 1927 to fight bias, bigotry, and racism.
Charles is survived by four children, Stephanie Mannino of Westfield, N.J.; Chuck Stapp of Freehold N.J.; Darby Stapp of Richland, WA; and Bryan Stapp of Northville, MI; a sister, Virginia Bryant of New Orleans, LA;, 12 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren; and many nieces, and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents and a brother, James Stapp.
Dear Stephanie, Chuck, Darby & Brian, I have wonderful memories of Uncle Charlie, especially at Allenhurst, NJ. Later we met again when he moved to Tampa, Fl and spent Christmas with us. He nicknamed our daughter, Jessica, “Lionus” because of the blanket she carried around that Christmas Eve! You are lucky to have had such a wonderful man for a dad! Love, your cousin, Gina
Dear Stephanie, Chuck, Darby, Bryan, Nikki and Andy:
I will always remember the cookouts at his home on Spier Ave. in Allenhurst, and Charlie’s love for barbequed spare ribs and lobsters. He loved to entertain and always had a zest for life which he passed down to his family. Who else would allow their children to convert his garage in Allenhurst to a Haunted Mansion. His marketing skills were obviously passed on to Chuck who charged me admission to see the world’s smallest dog. It turned out to be a cocktail frank with four toothpicks for legs.
As I told Chuck, Charlie left a rich legacy with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren and I am sure he was very proud of his extended family.
My deepest condolences to the Stapp Family.
Frank , Valerie and Michele Fischer
Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
What I remember most about Chuck’s father, beyond his enthusiasm for life and wonderful sense of humor, was how welcome I always felt in his home. As a friend of the family, I often felt every bit as much a part of the family too. It’s easy to underestimate just how much of an impact one individual can have on another. I’ve been so blessed to have played a part in the Stapp family and will always be eternally grateful for having had that opportunity. It is with deepest respect and fond memories I offer my heart felt condolences.
always will be my Big Daddy
Uncle Charlie was truly one of a kind. He loved his family and he enoyed celebrating life with his family. Lobsters all over the world are breathing a sigh of relief and the French wine makers lost a true friend. Stock sales probably went down upon the news of Uncle Charlie’s passing. Charlie say “hi” to CK, Mimi, Dixie, Carol etc. and let them know we are all fine.
Rick
To All of You,
I have very nice memories of Uncle Charlie visiting us in New Orleans when I was growing up. I was so honored that he and Nancy came to New Orleans for my wedding in 1992…which was the last time I saw him. Mic and I still tell the story of him giving us Goo Goo Cluster candy at the reception. It’s a cute memory of our wedding. My thoughts have been with all of you. Take care. With love from New Orleans, Mary!
Grand Daddy,
It was very nice to know you. I really enjoyed spending time with you. It was always a joy to have you in our house visiting. I loved all of the stories that you used to tell. The ones about the shore, BBQ and of course all of the parties. I could almost see the big grill in Allenhurst with ribs on it. And everyone having a blast. I also think about someone stealing your shoes. Everyone will know that story- We will miss you and when we do we will have a party and talk about all the good times you had with us.
Love you
Michelle, Ken, Charlie and Aimee
Charlie’s daughter Stephanie and I were best of friends through middle and high school. We still are good friends! Anyhow I remember being about 13 or 14 years old and I was in a drug store in Westfield with Stephanie. Stephanie however should have been at home and Charlie Stapp was looking for her. This was a small drug store and Stephanie and I squeezed into a phone booth so Charlie could not find us! We had many laughs over that! Seriously Charlie was a good father and a wonderful man. He will be missed!
My husband Ross and I did not know Charles well. We met him on only a few occasions at extended family gatherings–all surrounding his daughter, Stephanie, and her husband, Larry, Ross’ cousin. We remember him from those occasions as a handsome, charming man with a genial personality and a warm, embracing smile. Clearly, those traits live on through Stephanie, and Charles leaves a proud legacy through her and his three sons, Chuck, Darby and Bryan. Charles will be missed, but rich memories live on.
Dearest Grandaddy,
My heart breaks as I write this note. I wish I could have been there for you in Washington State, this is my biggest regret. My memories are fond and I can still remember when I would pick up my parent phone in NJ I would hear in a southern accent” Whose this? Big Virginia?” He would always say, “Now you just tell everyone to stop calling you baby virginia, cause your not a baby any more!” I would always laugh and give the phone to my mother who would quickly pick up the southern accent. I always wanted a little accent like my Grandaddy and Aunt Virginia. I fondly remember baking cookies in Al. with Nanna and Grandaddy.
As I sit and cry what keeps my mind at ease is that my Uncle Darby was there by his side all of the time. God bless him for that. What also puts my mind and heart at ease is that I know Grandaddy is with my beautiful Grandmother, Carol, Mimi and Nanna. And as Brianna said my little niece”Grandaddy is going to have fun in Heaven.” I love you and you will be forever missed Grandaddy, Please look down on me as much as possible. I love you… Please help our family stay strong. xoxoxoxo
I first met Charlie and his family at my sister Julie’s wedding. Julie married Darby Stapp, Charlie’s son. I remember Charlie as being warm, caring and fun. Through the years, he always took the time to ask about my career and my life. He was sincerely interested in others and interesting to talk to and share time with. I know Charlie will be missed by his family and ours. He was truly a wonderful man. We love you Darby and our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Love Kathie and Don
I WILL ALWAYS HAVE WONDERFUL MEMORIES OF GRANDADDY STAPP. GRANDADDY ALWAYS HAD THE BEST STORIES, I ALWAYS ENJOYED THE STORIES I GOT TOO HEAR OF MY GRANDMOTHER CAROL. I WILL NEVER FORGET WHEN I WAS EIGHT YEARS OLD I WENT TO VISIT GRANDADDY AND NANA IN ATLANTA, GRANDADDY TOLD ME HE WAS PLANNING A SURPRISE BREAKFAST AND BOY IT WAS A SURPRISE, LOBSTER AND CHAMPAIGNE. I NEVER HEARD OF LOBSTER AND CHAMPAIGNE AT 8:30 IN THE MORNING. TWO DOLLAR BILLS AND LOBSTER WILL ALWAYS TRIGGER A MEMORY OF GRANDADDY. GRANDADDY WE LOVE YOU AND MISS YOU.LOVE,LAUREN
I’ll never forget when Granddaddy came to watch me cheer in the sub-zero weather on Thanksgiving morning for the annual Thanksgiving Day Football game. Granddad sat and smiled in spite of the chilly temperature.
Thank you for always making us laugh. Thank you for sharing the memories of our grandmother to those of us who werent fortunate enough to know her, but still have a powerful love in our hearts for her. Most of all, I am so grateful and I thank you for raising my father to be one of the most fun loving and genuinely wonderful souls there ever could be.
I, as everyone whose life you touched, will miss you dearly. Please give my grandmother a kiss for me and together keep our family safe. Dad, Aunt Stephie, Uncle Darby, and Uncle Bryan my thoughts and prayers are with you.
I’m glad Nancy and I got to know your Dad better when he lived in Atlanta. His sense of humor and general oulook where fun to share. Sorry for your lose, we need to play some golf soon.
Guestbook for
Charles Darby Stapp