Cancer claims retired UA official at 63

Theodore Joseph “Ted” Staton, the former Upper Arlington city manager who was known to city officials and others as a welcoming mentor and thoughtful listener, died Tuesday. He was 63.

Staton, who became city manager in October 2011, began a leave of absence in September after being diagnosed with esophageal cancer.

Staton had hoped to return to work but announced Jan. 15 that he would retire at the end of the month. City officials said he died due to complications from the cancer.

“His leadership style was different in part because he was willing to express vulnerability as a way to encourage people to share their own ideas and direction,” said acting City Manager Dan Ralley.

Staton came to Upper Arlington after 16 years as the city manager of East Lansing, Michigan. Before that, the Dayton native worked in a number of positions for his hometown.

Staton helped guide Upper Arlington through the effects of the Great Recession, colleagues said.

“He listened more than he spoke, and when he gave his opinion, it was built on the consensus of the team around him,” said Mark Weaver, a local lawyer who knew Staton and has represented Upper Arlington. Staton

Emma Speight, the city’s community affairs director, said Staton was a mentor to her and other women in government. He was on the executive board of the League of Women in Government and criticized all-male panels after attending an Ohio Municipal League conference in 2015.

“We need to do a better job highlighting the women who have risen to the highest levels in the profession and those that have been ready and are still waiting in the wings,” he wrote.

A recipient of a kidney and pancreas transplant in 2013, Staton also was an advocate for organ donation.

Staton is survived by his wife, Carol, and two sons, Paul and Bennett.

Visitation will be held from 3 to 7 p.m. Saturday at Schoedinger Northwest Chapel, 1740 Zollinger Road in Upper Arlington. A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday at the Upper Arlington Municipal Building.