Submitted by his son

Robert ‘Tim’ Staepel‚ age 41‚ was a loyal and devoted father‚ husband and firefighter. Tim loved being a firefighter and began his career at the age of 18 as a volunteer in 1981 for the Woodland Fire Company in Cherry Hill‚ NJ. At the time of his death‚ he was an eleven year veteran at the Philadelphia Federal Fire Department. He was President of Local F-61‚ a dedicated and courageous firefighter and a good friend to his fellow firefighters.

On January 9‚ 2002‚ Tim and his partner responded to a call of a woman who was bleeding profusely in a warehouse. Although the woman denied being pregnant‚ a gut feeling told both Tim and his partner differently. They looked around the warehouse and discovered a bloody restroom and began searching for a baby. The baby had been discarded by it’s mother and was found in a trash can where it was rescued. The baby is alive today and doing well. Tim and his partner received a life saving citation for rescuing and saving the baby.

Away from work Tim enjoyed spending time with his children‚ Shaun (9)‚ Michaela (6)‚ and his wife‚ Tracy. He loved watching movies with his children and enjoyed playing DJ for dance parties in his living room for his friends and family. He was an avid Philadelphia Eagles fan and was a season ticket holder for many years.

Tim was a loving and caring son‚ a brother‚ an uncle‚ a good friend and a godfather 10 times over. Anyone who came in contact with Tim always had a funny story to tell about his antics. He was known as ‘Unc’ to his nieces and nephews who loved him dearly. His love of children was evident whenever he was with his children‚ nieces and nephews‚ and his friend’s children. If there was a child in the room that is where you would find Tim smothering them with kisses until they cried for help.

His death was a tragic loss to everyone who loved him. Tim is missed by all who knew him. He lives on through his wife and children and the many fond memories his family‚ friends‚ and brother firefighters have of him.