About Patrick
Biography
Patrick Stapleton was born in Chambersville, PA, and spent his entire adult life in Indiana County. He graduated from Indiana High School. Afterwards he went on to complete a year at Penn State University in the Navy V-12 program. After his freshman year he joined the Navy for three and a half years during World War II. After the war he then went on to attend Indiana University of Pennsylvania. There he finished his education and earned a degree in social studies.
Patrick Stapleton served as Indiana County Commissioner before being elected to the State Senate to represent the 41st district in 1970. He had the distinct honor of winning seven reelection bids while serving in the Senate leadership for many years. While in office as a Senator, Mr. Stapleton showed great care and enthusiasm towards higher education and state-owned schools. He firmly believed that IMP would be the greatest economic driver for the country and devoted great efforts to prove his belief. He worked on funding for these schools, along with helping with certain departments in these schools. For example, the doctor program at IUP would not have been available until much later without his efforts. IUP named their library after Patrick as a memory for all he has done for that school.
As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee for many years, Senator Stapleton was able to bring many millions of dollars to his district to finance new and existing businesses, creating thousands of family sustaining jobs. These businesses ranged from manufacturing to energy to agribusiness.
He cared very deeply about the community here in Indiana and its surrounding neighbors. Whether it be volunteer fire departments or small private clubs (Ex: American Legion) he always praised them for their community service and made the members proud to be in that group. He was a great leader that people looked up to and it meant a lot when he talked highly about them.
He also served on the Council of Trustees at IUP for 30 years and was a Council Chairman for 27 of those. He received the IUP distinguished Alumni Award in 1992. In 2000, he received the President’s Medal of Distinction. He also served on the State System of Higher Education on the Board of Governors.
He married his high school sweetheart, Madeline Feidler. They had one son named PJ.
Patrick J. Stapleton Jr. passed away on March 13, 2001