Obituary of Mark Elliott Staples

Mark Elliott Staples, 78, passed away peacefully on May 24, 2025, at the Veterans Affairs Hospital in East Orange, New Jersey.

Born in Newburyport, Massachusetts, to the late Jacques and Elisabeth Staples, Mark grew up in Lebanon Township, New Jersey. He graduated from North Hunterdon Regional High School in 1964 and shortly thereafter enlisted in the United States Navy, where he served with honor for four years. During his service, primarily aboard the USS Shangri-La, Mark rose to the rank of Petty Officer Third Class and earned the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. He was honorably discharged in 1970.

Upon returning home, Mark pursued his passion for hospitality by earning an associate’s degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management from the City College of New York. He later enjoyed a long and fulfilling career as a chef, notably at the Coach N' Paddock in Hampton, New Jersey, and earlier at Brunner’s Landmark.

Mark married the love of his life, the late Vickie Staples, on February 6, 1971 in Cincinnati, Ohio. Together, they raised two sons, Christopher and Nicholas, who were the center of his world.

A proud veteran, Mark was a member of the Glen Gardner VFW. He was also a devoted fisherman — especially fond of muskie fishing — and had amassed enough tackle to outfit an entire shop. He was known for his love of animals and shared his home over the years with many rescued pets, including his beloved dog Bandit and cats Binkel, Kitty, Mungelo, Whitey, Charlie, and most recently, Buddy.

Mark’s other passions included classic rock — particularly The Rolling Stones and Creedence Clearwater Revival — and collecting elephants, which filled every room of his home in all shapes and sizes. In recent years, his greatest joy was being a grandfather. He cherished every moment spent with his grandchildren.

Mark is survived by his sons, Christopher Staples and his wife Nadia Mendez, and Nicholas Staples and his wife Hannah; his brother Daniel Staples; grandchildren Mark "MJ" Staples, Kian Staples, Maximiliano Staples, Luciana Staples, Valentina Staples. He is also survived by Nadias sister and her husband, Jesica Mendez and David Oviedo, and by their children, who Mark cared for like his own grandchildren: Kayleen Oviedo, Brianna Oviedo, Emily Oviedo, Noah Oviedo, and Nathan Oviedo.

He is predeceased by his beloved wife Vickie Staples, his parents Jacques and Elisabeth Staples, and his sister Cynthia Staples.

A memorial gathering and celebration of life service will be held on June 8, 2025, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., with the service beginning at 3:30 p.m., at Knoll-DeVoe Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 142 West Washington Ave, Washington, NJ, 07882.

Mark will be laid to rest with military honors at Washington Crossing National Veterans Cemetery, on Monday, June 16th at 2:00PM.