Legendary BFD Commissioner Leo Stapleton has passed away

Leo Stapleton, retired Boston fire commissioner and author, has died at the age of 94.

Stapleton was a native of South Boston and retired with the rank of commissioner in 1991 after taking on the position in 1984. Firefighting ran in his family, his two sons Leo Jr. and Garrett were both firefighters and Stapleton’s father was a firefighter and chief of department in the 1950’s.

According to the Boston Globe, Stapleton was instrumental in fighting a number of fires in the 1960’s and 1970’s. He also helped with the implementation of the breathing apparatuses used by firefighters and replaced fire trucks for the BFD’s 57 engine companies, 70,000 feet of hose, and adding a second rescue team. 

He also was the author of several books including his autobiography called “Commish”.

The BFD announced his passing on twitter account Monday.

Stapleton’s funeral will take place on Saturday at 11am at St. Brigid Church.  See his obituary below:

Former Boston Fire Commissioner/Chief of Department in Weymouth formerly of South Boston passed away on April 26, 2021. Beloved husband of the late Doris M. (White) Stapleton.

Devoted father of Leo D. Jr. and his wife Kathy of South Boston, Edward J. and Jan Kuhl of Georgia, Garrett M. of Weymouth, Jennifer A. Salman and her late husband Scott of South Boston, Amanda R Sullivan and her husband Gene of Kingston, Gail A. of Weymouth. Loving grandfather of Jocelyn McConville and her husband Sean, Mary Kate Sibley and her husband Kyle, Laura Stapleton and her husband Nick Clifford, Emily Gannon and her husband Michael, Leo D. Stapleton, III, Andrea Gaine and her husband Brian, Courtney M. Stapleton and Troy Wilson, January K. Stewart and her wife Traci, Jordan Salmanowicz Longever and her husband Joel, Brian Salman, Luke Sullivan and his wife Caitlin, Hayley Sullivan and her husband Patrick Bailey, Sydney DeSantis and her husband Daniel. Great grandfather of Jake and Kyle McConville, Matthew Stapleton, Lucy, Edward and Annie Sibley, Aubrey and Cali Clifford, Max and Summer Wilson, Lennon Stewart, Evelyn and Olivia Gaine, Harrison and Isla Sullivan, Jake DeSantis and Nathan Bailey. Brother of the late Ruth E McCole, John H. and Edward D. Stapleton. Son of the late John V. and Florence (McDonough) Stapleton.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend Funeral Mass in St. Brigid Church 841 East Broadway SOUTH BOSTON on Saturday May 1st at 11am. Funeral Mass will be livestreamed at St. Brigid Church website at www.gateofheavenstbrigid.org Interment Blue Hills Cemetery Braintree. His military service included the US Navy in World War II, Asiatic-Pacific Theatre 1944-1946. In lieu of flowers donations in memory of Mr. Stapleton may be made to Boston Fireman’s Relief Fund 115 Southampton Street Boston, MA 02118 or online at www.bfdrelief.org Arrangements by O’Brien Funeral Home South Boston

Image via BFD