Robert Staples III

The memorial service for Bob will be livestreamed at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, August 1, 2026. To view the livestream, please click on this link: Ryan Funeral Home Madison - YouTube

Robert "Bob" Griffin Staples III, aged 92, passed away peacefully on June 23, 2026, at Oakwood Village University Woods, Hebron Oaks Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation in Madison, Wisconsin, under the special care of Agrace Hospice. Born on August 28, 1933, to Robert G. Staples Jr and Verna M. George, in Camden, New Jersey, Bob lived a life defined by his dedication to education, faith, family, and service.

A graduate of Camden High School in 1951, Bob pursued higher education with distinction. He earned his bachelor's degree from Rutgers University in 1955 and completed a master's degree there in 1957. He furthered his studies at Syracuse University in 1959, cementing a lifelong commitment to learning and teaching.

Bob began his career as a teacher and tennis coach at high schools in Moorestown and Levittown, New Jersey. He later transitioned into research pharmacology at SmithKline & French Laboratories, contributing to project management and R&D services. After retiring in 1986, Bob embarked on a second career in higher education at Central Virginia Community College, where he served as an adjunct faculty member and held leadership roles until his second retirement in 2000.

Bob was devoted to his family. He is survived by his daughter Linda Staples Borton and her spouse David Borton; his son Paul Douglas Staples and his spouse Nancy Gue Staples; grandchildren Jaime Staples Alvis (spouse Matthew Cook), Kelly Staples Alvis Bisogno (spouse Mike Bisogno), Michael Robert Gue Staples (spouse Kerry Bannen), and Matthew Gregory Gue Staples (spouse Morgan Staples); step-grandchildren Jonathan David Borton (partner Malia Hosoi Galucci) and Elizabeth Joy Borton (partner Erin Beers); great-grandchildren Elijah Bisogno, Evelyn Grace Bisogno, Emma Jane Bisogno, Norah Dell Alvis-Cook, and many others near and far, from childhood to now, who cherished him. Bob was predeceased by Patricia Ann Newton Staples, his beloved wife of nearly 64 years.

An avid tennis player, fan, and coach, and creative painter, Bob also enjoyed traveling the globe, gardening, music, and serving his community through volunteer work with organizations such as the American Heart Association and YMCA programs. His faith was central to his life, and he actively participated through his time, talents, and treasure in American Baptist, United Methodist, and Presbyterian churches over the years, in Camden & Willingboro New Jersey, Flourtown & Pittston Pennsylvania, and Madison Heights & Lynchburg Virginia.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, August 1, 2026, at Ryan Funeral Service & Legacy Center, 6728 Mader Drive, Madison, WI, officiated by Chaplain Nicole Espe. Visitation will be from 10:30 a.m. until the time of service. A luncheon will follow at the funeral home.

We are thankful beyond words for the care and kindness offered to Bob in his final months: Agrace Hospice Care, Oakwood Hebron Skilled Nursing and Rehab, Vista West Assisted Living, and Ryan Funeral Homes, all of Madison, Wisconsin.

The family welcomes living plants or memorial contributions to Agrace Hospice Care, 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Madison, WI 53711, Donate to Agrace | Agrace, or a charity of your choice.

May Robert Griffin ("Bob", Dad, Pop-pop, Bobby, Uncle Bob, Mr. Staples, Boo-Boo) Staples III be remembered for his unwavering dedication to faith, family, education, and service—a life well-lived that continues to inspire all who knew him.



To view the obituary or leave a memory, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.

Ryan Funeral Service & Legacy Center
6728 Mader Drive
608-274-1000