Mark L. Stayer, Jr., fondly known as “Pete” to his family, 91, passed away peacefully on April 7, 2025. Born to the late Opal and Mark L. Stayer, Sr., on September 2, 1933, he spent the early years of his life in Mogadore before the family moved to Suffield Township in 1945, where he resided most of his life. The eldest of nine siblings, he was the definition of a great mentor and role model. Mark possessed an incredible quiet strength, patience, kindness, and generous spirit who served his family and church community unwaveringly. No matter the challenge, he never complained or had a harsh word to say.
He graduated from Field High School, class of 1951, and served in the U.S. Army for two years. Afterwards he attended college in Washington D.C. and ultimately graduated from Kent State University in 1959. Mark retired from Bridgestone-Firestone in 1995 with 35 years in analytical and polymer synthesis research, where he held 50 U.S. patents in the polymer field.
Mark married the love of his life, Gloria Joanne Stallings, on August 31, 1957, residing in Suffield for most of those 66 years, and was a member of the Suffield United Church of Christ He was a loving and caring husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and caregiver who enjoyed sports, gardening, classic cars, and was a former member of the church golf league. Mark also enjoyed reading his daily newspapers, clipping various articles of interest, and recent editions were always beside him for easy reference, along with his road atlas.
Preceded in death by his parents, wife Gloria, sister Carol Jo, and brothers-in-law James Plummer and Gregory Powers, he is survived by daughters, Debbie (Dave) Jakubisin, Dawn (John) Corall; sons, Mark (Marie) Stayer, Loren (Brenda) Stayer, Jeff (Lisa) Stayer; grandchildren, Joshua, Heather (Brad), Gina, Joe (Veena), Todd, Jeff Jr. (Megan), Curtis, Kaitlyn (Aaron), Briana (Kyle), Jessica (Adam), Jacob, Matthew, Benjamin; great grandchildren, Margot, Mary, Addie, Oliver, Calvin; sisters, Helen Powers, Pat (Dennis) Pollet, Jane Plummer, Jean (Gary) Carlson; brothers, Jerry (Carol) Stayer, Ron (Shirley) Stayer, Joe (Carol) Stayer; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.