John Douglas Stark Sr. of Riverhead died Saturday October 12th peacefully at his home with his family by his side. He was 82 years old.
A leading and respected figure in banking and community functions, John Douglas Stark, known as Doug, was a lifelong resident of Riverhead, born to William C. and Mary (Legere) Stark on April 21, 1931.
He attended Riverhead High School and LaSalle Military Academy. He earned his Bachelors Degree in Economics and Business from Villanova University. He then served his country as First Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps. Following in his father’s footsteps, he joined the wholesale produce firm IM Young & Co. and eventually, along with his brother William Bruce, formed Glenwood Village (Stark Mobile Homes), a manufactured home retirement community in Riverhead.
Under their ownership the company became one of the most respected manufactured home communities in the State of New York. Doug also launched Foxwood Village in Calverton with his partner Peter Mastropoalo.
Predeceased by his parents and brother William Bruce Stark, Doug is survived by his wife Diane E. (Bobinski) Stark, his 5 children Barbara Woodhull and her husband George, Diane M. Stark (Bethany,CT), John Douglas Jr and his wife Jessica, Tracy Stark-James and her husband Christopher and Michelle Stark-Hulse and her husband William. He is also survived by his younger brother, James R. Stark former Supervisor of the Town of Riverhead, and his precious grandchildren Brittany, Lauren, Lindsay, Alexandra, Rachael, Marisa and Dylan.
Dedicated to his community, Doug was active in civic and community affairs, serving as President of Central Suffolk Hospital (Peconic Bay Medical Center), President of Riverhead Kiwanians, and Director of the Riverhead Chamber of Commerce. Most notably, he succeeded his father and grandfather and devoted his executive and financial expertise to the Board of Directors of Suffolk County National Bank for over 33 years.
A member of St John’s R.C. church, he was deeply involved in its charitable functions, serving on it’s finance committee which was instrumental in the finance campaign and building of the new Catholic Church.
An enthusiastic fisherman, skier, and golfer, Doug loved boating and traveling with friends by sea and was a member of the North Fork Country Club. He was also known for ruling the card table during the afternoon games of Gin Rummy.
Visitation will be held at Reginald H. Tuthill Funeral Home Monday, October 14th 7-9, Tuesday 2-4 and 7-9 and followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. John the Evangelist Church in Riverhead Wednesday at 10:30am. Lifelong friend Father Peter Garry officiated.
Memorial donations may be made to the National Kidney Foundation in honor of his daughter Michelle, East End Hospice and the Peconic Bay Medical Center.