01/27/2026
Mark David Stapels, Sr., age 78, of Crystal River, FL, passed away January 23, 2026, at his home under the loving care of his family.
Mark was born on February 22, 1947, in Detroit, MI to Louis and Lillian Stapels. During his high school years at South Lake H.S., he membered in eight extracurricular clubs including the debate and forensic teams. Mark continued his outgoing nature at Eastern Michigan University, filling the airwaves of WEMU college radio as a radio disc jockey, before obtaining his Bachelor of Arts Degree. He became a high school teacher, educating high school students in English and Social Studies, in addition to coaching the girl's basketball team. Mark then transitioned careers, establishing Brothers Industries, an automotive tool and die manufacturing business, growing it into a 200 plus strong workforce serving regional and global customers. During this time, Mark's innovative designs and subsequent work led to the awarding of multiple U.S. patents that would benefit the US auto industry. Following a distinguished business career, Mark sought warmer weather in Arizona and Stuart, Florida. His drive continued, taking on multiple start up businesses, and joining the Rotary International, for which he would be recognized as the Rotarian of the month. In 2024, Mark moved to Citrus County. During his life, he was an accomplished boater, traveled to five continents, and enjoyed dancing, cooking, and the water. Most of all, Mark loved his family, and shared with them his knowledge and love of life.
In addition to his parents, Mark was preceded in death by his brother, David Stapels.
Survived by his soul mate, Sue McCollough; four children, Andrea Casadei and her husband Robert, Mark D Stapels, II. and his wife Andi, Andrew Stapels and his wife Leigh, Nicholas Stapels and his wife Renee; siblings, Marsha Coddington, Gregory Stapels, Mary Thompson, Matthew Stapels and his wife Stacy, Rochelle Gauthier, Louis Stapels and his wife Lynn; five grandchildren, Mark D Stapels, III, Gabrielle Stapels, Luigi Casadei, John Casadei and Lillian Stapels.
Family will receive friends on Thursday, January 29, 2026, from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Brown Funeral Home in Lecanto, FL. Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 30, 2026, at the Crystal River Community Church.
Brown Funeral Home and Crematory in Lecanto FL in charge of arrangements.