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David Stapleton

1936 – 2016

Former head of the Irish Defence Staff

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About David Stapleton

Lived 1936 – 2016 (aged 79).

Lieutenant General David "Dave" Stapleton DSM (26 September 1937 - 13 June 2016), was an Irish army general officer who served as Chief of Staff of the Irish Defence Forces and previously as Force Commander of UNDOF in the Golan Heights.

Early life Stapleton was born in Clonmel, County Tipperary, Ireland on 26 September 1937, where he attended the local Christian Brothers school.

Military career He joined the Irish Defence Forces Cadet School in 1955 and was commissioned into the Supply and Transport Corps. During a forty five year long career he held the senior positions of Commander 6th Infantry Brigade, Director of the Transport Corps, Quartermaster General, Force Commander UNDOF and Chief of Staff. He was also a founding member and the first president of the Representative Association of Commissioned Officers.

Personal life He was married to Maureen and had four children. Stapleton died at his home in Newbridge on 13 June 2016.

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Important facts

Birth century
Positions held
Irish Defence Forces Chief of Staff

People in David Stapleton's life

Named in this biography and alive at the same time

Contemporaries

People whose lives overlapped David Stapleton's

Frequently asked questions

Who was David Stapleton?

former head of the Irish Defence Staff

When was David Stapleton born?

David Stapleton was born on 26 September 1936.

When did David Stapleton die?

David Stapleton died on 13 June 2016.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: David Stapleton

· Wikidata: Q110304808

· DBpedia: David Stapleton (Lieutenant-General)

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). David Stapleton. https://biography.guide/david-stapleton/

MLA: "David Stapleton." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/david-stapleton/.

Chicago: "David Stapleton." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/david-stapleton/.

Data last updated: 2026-09-20 · Spot an error? Report a correction.

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