Aaron Staley

Aaron Staley, 51, of Sanford, Florida, passed away on Monday, February 17, 2025, following a courageous battle with lung cancer. At the time of his passing, he was surrounded with love by family and friends. Aaron was born in Erie, Pennsylvania, where he spent much of his childhood. Aaron eventually moved to Clearwater where he graduated from Pinellas Park High School. Aaron graduated from the University of Florida in 1997 with a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering and in 2005 with a Master’s degree in Engineering Management. Aaron's professional legacy at Orlando Utilities Commission (OUC) spans nearly two decades of distinguished service, after some initial engineering positions with local utility companies. Beginning in 2006 as a Senior Transmission Planner, he then served as Manager of Transmission Planning & Reliability for 19 years, where his leadership and expertise shaped critical infrastructure systems. His contributions to the field of electrical engineering extended far beyond OUC, as he held multiple chair positions in prestigious organizations including Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), Florida Reliability Coordinating Council (FRCC) and the SERC Reliability Corporation, cherishing the relationships along the way. A man of deep faith, Aaron was an active member of Markham Woods Presbyterian Church, where he found joy and fellowship in the men's Bible study group and prayer breakfasts. His playful spirit was legendary, particularly during the Christmas season when he would don his famously silly holiday attire. Aaron embraced life with humor, enthusiasm, and curiosity. Snarky tee shirts, bad dad jokes, and occasional self-deprecation were the some of what we came to know of Aaron’s fun personality. But he also enjoyed kayak surfing, cycling, learning about history including good lessons in the history of wartime submarines and aircrafts, he loved traveling, and always loved new adventures. His additionally enjoyed finding the ultimate gift for a friend, playing gentle but hilarious pranks on friends and family (always with loving intentions), gaming, science fiction, reading, and assembling friendly poker games with his cherished friends. Aaron was known for his belief in the power of science, research, and the boundless possibilities of human achievement. He leaves behind his beloved wife Tiffany, friends since age 3, and his cherished son Gavin. Aaron is also survived by his mother, Janet Colburn, sisters Megan Staley and Amanda Staley, and brother Ed Staley. He is additionally survived by his Aunt Anne Staley (Margaret), Uncle Larry (JoAnne), Aunt Joanne Riddlebaugh, Niece Amanda Albrecht (Caelum), Additional important family members include: Stepmother Pam Staley, Aunt Diane Staley, Aunt Kim Staley, and cousins Anna Brooke Reeves, Laura Beth Grissett, Sarah Maria Reeves, Joe Staley, Kim Staley, Michael Staley, Christopher Staley, Matthew Staley, Heather Staley, and Elizabeth Staley. Aaron is preceded in passing by his father R. Brooke Staley, half-brother Jeffrey Todd Wolff, Uncle Michael Staley, Uncle Joe Staley, and Uncle Steven Staley. Aaron loved every member of his family and certainly believed in the Staley pride. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, March 8, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Markham Woods Presbyterian Church in Lake Mary, Florida, followed by a reception. In honor of Aaron's vibrant spirit and an affinity for a colorful aesthetic, guests are asked to wear bright colors. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Aaron's memory to the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IALC) or ALK Positive.org, supporting research into non-smoking lung cancers that increasingly affect younger individuals. Aaron's belief in the importance of scientific research and its potential to advance treatment options continues to inspire those who knew him. Aaron's infectious optimism, devotion to his family, unwavering faith, and dedication to his colleagues and field of work touched countless lives. His legacy lives on through the many lives he enriched and the love he shared so generously with family and friends.