Michael G. Stapen, 82, of Savannah, Georgia, passed away peacefully, surrounded by the love of his family.

Born on January 22, 1944, in New York City, Mike moved with his family from the Williamsburg neighborhood of Brooklyn to Savannah in 1955. It didn’t take long for Savannah to become home, and it remained the city he loved deeply for the rest of his life.

Mike graduated from Benedictine Military School in 1961 before enrolling at the University of Georgia at just 17 years old, beginning a lifelong devotion to the Georgia Bulldogs. His love for Georgia football was legendary among family and friends. Saturdays in the fall were reserved for the Dawgs, and few things brought him more joy than cheering them on alongside the people he loved.

Following his time at the University of Georgia, Mike proudly served in the Airborne Reserve, an experience that remained an important part of his life.

Mike built a distinguished career in commercial real estate, first with David Morrison Realty, then David Byck Realty, before becoming a founding partner of Mopper Stapen Realtors, where he spent the remainder of his career. He earned a reputation not only for his deep knowledge of Savannah’s commercial real estate market but also for his integrity, his work ethic, and the lasting relationships he built along the way.

Curious by nature and endlessly well-read, Mike had a remarkable mind and a genuine love of learning. History fascinated him, books were never far from reach, and he found great meaning in the lifelong study of the Torah. Whether the conversation centered on Savannah history, politics, current events, Jewish teachings, or Georgia football, Mike always had a story to tell, an opinion to share, and a conversation worth having.

Outside of work, Mike embraced life with enthusiasm and unmistakable style. He inherited his appreciation for fine clothing from his mother and was rarely seen without looking impeccably put together. He enjoyed shopping for a new jacket almost as much as planning his next ski trip. As a longtime member of the Savannah Ski Club, he treasured the friendships formed on the slopes, where the laughter often mattered more than the skiing itself. He was also an accomplished skeet shooter and enjoyed many memorable dove and duck hunts over the years.

Mike was a longtime member of the Forest City Gun Club, one of the longest-tenured members of the Savannah Quarterback Club, an active member of B’nai B’rith Jacob Synagogue, and a faithful attendee of the Benedictine Survivors Lunch Club.

More than anything, Mike loved people. He never met a stranger and never missed an opportunity to catch up with an old friend. He spoke his mind, stood firmly by his convictions, and if there was a good debate to be had, he was happy to join it. But he never stayed mad for long. His quick wit, remarkable memory, generous spirit, and gift for conversation made him someone people genuinely enjoyed being around. “Bear” had followed Mike since his college days, but hearing his granddaughter, Anna, call him by that name made it sweeter than ever. The friendships he cultivated over a lifetime were among his greatest blessings.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Mannie and Dorothy Stapen, and his nephew, Jason Bock.

He is survived by his daughters, Kellie (Garner) Creel and Iris Stapen (Dylan); his beloved granddaughter, Anna; his sisters, Bonnie (Ivan) Bock of Fort Collins, Colorado, and Amy Stapen of Atlanta, Georgia; his nephew, Kevin Bock of Fort Collins; and a wide circle of lifelong friends who will miss him dearly and remember him with great affection.

The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to the caregivers of Hospice Savannah, whose compassion, kindness, and gentle care brought comfort and dignity to Mike during his final days.

A graveside funeral service will be held on Friday, July 3, at 10:00 a.m. at Bonaventure Cemetery in Savannah.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Mike’s memory to B’nai B’rith Jacob Synagogue or Hospice Savannah.

May his memory forever be a blessing.