Stephen Staggs

Dr. Stephen D. Staggs, DDS, age 85, of Greenfield, IN, formerly of Corning (Caton), NY died on May 30, 2022 in Indiana.

Stephen was born in a Pittsburgh, PA elevator on the way to the delivery room in 1936 to Russell and Gladys Staggs. He joined his older sister, Nancy, as their father moved the family of 4 through a number of Westinghouse towns in PA, MI, and finally near Buffalo, NY.

Stephen was a cross country and track athlete at Amherst Central High School who went on to attend Indiana University in Bloomington, IN. After receiving his BA in Zoology, he attended dental school at Indiana University in Indianapolis. It was there he met Linda, a pretty nurse, whom he later married in 1961.

His 4 F status because of his childhood hearing loss in one ear didn’t stop him from being welcomed into the Army after graduating from dental school. Steve began his practice of dentistry for the 4th Infantry Division in Ft. Lewis, WA. He was honorably discharged in 1969, having achieved the rank of captain. Steve and Linda loved the Pacific Northwest, where Steve could fly fish and Linda continued her love of photography. They relocated their growing family to Corning, NY to be closer to family. Stephen rented his first office on the corner of 1st and Cedar Street from Dr. Rich O’Brien in 1964. He later moved his practice to Painted Post, NY in 1976.

Stephen loved his home on 13 acres in Caton, NY. His respect for nature was taught to his children along with a strong work ethic. He enjoyed having a large garden and his apple trees, but nothing made him happier than walking in his woods with his dogs. He enjoyed hunting with his English Setters during bird season or sitting up in his woods waiting patiently during deer season. He even tried maple syrup making for several seasons. He was an accomplished woodworker, making doll furniture, desks, shelves, frames, and multiple bird feeders. While he bowled or played bridge, it will be his ruthless playing of dominoes that his grandchildren will remember. He was an active member of the Northside Club, Shrine Masons, Corning Rotary, Babe Ruth Baseball, and Meals on Wheels.

After the death of his first wife, Linda, in 1996, Steve joined the computer age, sending emails to friends and family. The retired dentist also found new romance when he started dating Nancy Whiteman, though he freely admitted her having all her teeth and a great smile was why he asked her on a date. They married in 2007 and enjoyed traveling. Their favorites were to Alaska in 2010, the Greek Islands in 2011, and the Panama Canal in 2012. They lived on the hill in Caton until they relocated to Greenfield, IN in 2018.

Stephen is survived by his wife, Nancy Whiteman Staggs; his children: Susan (Robert) Nelson, Kathryn (Nippon) Vadehra, Leora Jane (John) Bodie, and Russell (Sharon) Staggs; 10 grandchildren: Jillian (CJ) Lloyd, Rebekah Schreppel, Megan, Andrew and Audrey Bodie, Kiersten ( Mason ) Yourkonis, Benjamin and Julia Vadehra, Henry and Meredith Staggs; and 3 great-grandchildren, Madelyn, Samantha Lloyd and Savannah Allen.

Preceding him in death is his first wife, Linda, and his sister, Nancy Staggs Schmidt.

We would like to thank the multiple providers and staff of Morristown Manor for their attentive, compassionate care and assistance of Steve.

Calling hours will be held on Saturday, July 16th at Haughey Funeral Home, Inc., 216 East First Street in Corning from 9 AM until 11AM where funeral services will follow at 11:00 AM with Pastor Jeff Ugoretz officiating. Burial will be in Elmwood Cemetery in Caton, NY.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Steve's name to the ALS foundation, https://www.als.org/donate, or to Meals on Wheels, https://give.mealsonwheelsamerica.org.

Stephen's family entrusted his care to Haughey Funeral Home, Inc.