Donald R. Staley

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Donald R. Staley, age 76, of Exeter, died on October 24, 2013 at Kent County Memorial Hospital. He was the husband of the late Kathleen M. (Hennessey) Staley.

Born in Attleboro, Massachusetts, a son of the Edward W. and Barbara (Cook) Staley, he lived in Warwick before moving to Exeter in 1986. He earned a B.S degree in Mathematics and Secondary Education from the University of Rhode Island in 1960, and an M.A. in Educational Administration in 1965. He did additional graduate studies at Brown University, URI, and Providence College.

Mr. Staley was an educator in the Warwick Public Schools for 40 years, retiring as Assistant Superintendent of Schools in 2000. Before becoming Assistant Superintendent, he served as Director of Secondary Education (1990-1995), Principal of Warwick Veterans Memorial High School (1987-1990), Assistant Principal at Toll Gate High School (1975-1987), Mathematics Department Chairman at Warwick Veterans High (1970-1975), and as a teacher of Mathematics (1960-1975). Mr. Staley also served on numerous local and regional educational committees, and was a member of many educational organizations and associations.

Mr. Staley was a Town Councilor in Exeter from 2006-2008, and a former member of the Exeter-West Greenwich School Committee. He was a member of the board of directors of WAVE Federal Credit Union, a past chairman of the board of directors of Anchor Federal Credit Union, and a past chairman of the supervisory committee of the Warwick Employees' Credit Union. He was a parishioner and member of the finance committee at St. Kateri Tekakwitha Catholic Community.

He was the loving and devoted father of Barbara E. Hallum of Johnston, Lynne M. Baker of Bradenton, Florida, and Kirsten A. Streker of Coventry; and the beloved "Papa" to seven grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Tuesday, October 29, at 10:30 a.m. in St. Kateri Tekakwitha Catholic Community, 84 Exeter Road, Exeter. Visiting hours will be on Monday from 4-7 p.m. in the Barrett & Cotter Funeral Home, 1328 Warwick Avenue, Spring Green, Warwick. Burial will be in St. Joseph Cemetery, West Greenwich.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to the Down Syndrome Society of RI, 99 Bald Hill Road, Cranston, RI 02920, or St. Kateri Tekakwitha Catholic Community.