The Rev. Thomas Peter Staup died peacefully on Sunday, January 4, 2015, at his home in Frederick. He was 87. Born in Lonaconing, MD on May 31, 1927, he was the son of the late Roland and Grace (Elliott) Staup. Tom enlisted in the US Air Force in 1944 and served as Military Attaché at the Embassy in Tehran, Iran, until his honorable discharge in 1947. Upon returning home to Lonaconing, he attended Frostburg State University and received a Bachelor's Degree in History from the University of Maryland in 1951. He began teaching history at Allegany High School, Cumberland, MD and then transferred to Valley High School in Lonaconing where he met his wife, Alysann. He was then called by the Episcopal Diocese of Maryland to attend General Theological Seminary in New York City in 1956 where he received his Master's degree in Divinity in 1959. He was ordained priest in 1960. He served as vicar of Saint John's Episcopal Church in Deer Park, MD from 1959 to 1970. In January of 1970 he became the 13th rector of Grace Episcopal Church in Brunswick and served there until his retirement in 1994. He was very active in the community and involved with the Diocese of Maryland for many years serving on numerous committees. After his retirement, Tom served as interim rector at a number of parishes throughout Maryland including St. John's, Frostburg, Harriett Chapel, Thurmont, Saint Georges Church, Mount Savage and Church of the Transfiguration in Braddock Heights. He enjoyed travelling and studying in different countries. Throughout his career he touched many lives with his ministry. He was devoted to the church and to his family. The hosts of heaven sound the refrain, "well done, good and faithful servant-rest in peace." Tom is survived by his wife of 55 years, Alysann Bradburn Staup, his daughter, Rebecah Staup Daggett and husband David, son, Joseph Bradburn Staup and wife Cindy, grandchildren, Hannah Virginia Krzastek and husband Ryan, Peter Ramsey Shepherd and Jamie Nicole Staup, Step-grandson, Kyle Ernst Daggett. Brothers-in-law, Herman Bobo and Robert Miller of Lonaconing and numerous nieces and nephews. Thomas was preceded in death by his siblings, Robert Staup, Jean Goynes, Martha Ann Miller and Gretchen Bobo. A Burial Eucharist will be held at Grace Episcopal Church in Brunswick, MD on January 31 at 11am; Inurnment will follow in the church columbarium. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in his name to The Grace Episcopal Church Endowment Fund, 114 East A Street, Brunswick, MD 21716 Online condolences may be shared at www.keeneybasford.com
