TOLEDO—Tim Stapleton wasn’t always a Santa. But only 20 of his 70 years were spent without a Santa suit during the holidays in Toledo.

Fifty years ago Mr. Stapleton returned home from the service and purchased a Santa suit for $15 to make the holidays bright for his younger siblings. His younger brother and sister were so thrilled with their visit from Santa that Mr. Stapleton thought he should share the joy around his north Toledo neighborhood surrounding St. Michael Parish and east Toledo’s Sacred Heart Parish.

Santa (Tim Stapleton) receives a proclamation from Notre Dame Sister Mary Clarine Young as Sr. Rose Maria Moser looks on. (Photo courtesy of the Sister of Notre Dame)

On Dec. 17, the Sisters of Notre Dame honored Mr. Stapleton for bringing holiday cheer to others as Santa for the past 50 years. He visited Mary Immaculate School, Maria Child Care and the Sisters of Notre Dame Health Care Center, all on the Notre Dame campus at Secor Road and Monroe Street.

His ministry grew to more parishes and schools, nursing homes and convents.

He is remembered fondly by the sisters in the Health Care Center because some of them were his teachers, while others were teachers in the classrooms he visited as Santa Claus.

Mr. Stapleton makes approximately 200 appearances each year as Santa Claus, handing out candy canes to all. He is currently working on a book chronicling his 50 years as Santa Claus and all of the wonderful places he’s been and people he has met along the way.