Patrick Joseph Stapleton

GOSHEN — Just after midnight on May 31, 2025, Patrick Joseph Stapleton found his way to heaven.

Born to Patrick and Dorothy Stapleton on Aug. 28, 1943, in Rutland, “Patty Jo” was a person you just couldn’t forget meeting. He attended Mount Saint Joseph’s Academy before being called to work as a machinist, remaining at Howe Scale until they closed and ultimately finishing his career at Simmons Precision in Vergennes.

Pat was a living legend, who spent his formative years with his two brothers and six sisters on East Street. In his late 20s, he made his way up Route 7 and into the hills of Goshen to find true love in the arms of Dolores McKeighan. Besides being an amazing father to four children, he also fully embraced the role of Grampa/G-pa/Grampa from Goshen. As a young man, Pat spent his leisure time at old Rutland hangouts like Paco’s/Zimo’s and never missed an opportunity to get a pizza from Ted’s or a grinder from Maxi’s whenever his sports fanaticism brought him back to town.

Along with his national allegiances (Notre Dame, Yankees, Celtics, Giants) he was a huge fan of UVM, MSJ and Otter Valley. He saved his loudest cheers for teams that his family played on, even when they played for Rutland! He was a voracious reader, single-handedly keeping the New York Daily News, Rutland Herald, and USA Today in the print business. Daily trips around town to get his papers, to go along with the many books he was reading and re-reading, were how Pat stayed connected to the greater Brandon community.

This four-wheeler riding, cribbage playing great-grandfather left behind so many people that will miss his wry sense of humor, worldly advice and fierce loyalty to his family and friends. He is survived by his brother Edward Stapleton (Diane); sisters Mary Margaret Parker, Roseann Vitagliano (Salvatore), Judy Stella (Albert), and Dorothy Stapleton (Bruce); sons, Jimmy McKeighan (children Megan & Nate), Kenny McKeighan (daughter Alyza); daughter Patty Moore (husband Bill and daughters Bonnie and Sophie); bonus daughter, Thomasina Magoon; and great-grandson, Asher; as well as many nieces, nephews, and their children.

Pat was predeceased by his lovely wife, Dodie; his parents; his daughter Bonnie McKeighan; his brother David Stapleton; and sisters Agnes Duclo and Katheleen Hughes.

Friends and family are encouraged to attend a celebration of life/Pat-Party at 12:30 p.m., July 2, at 25 Fay Road in Goshen. The graveside committal service is to be held at noon, at the Goshen Cemetery.

Arrangements are by Miller & Ketcham Funeral Home, Brandon. ◊