Mr. David R. Stark was born on August 6, 1946, in Glens Falls, New York, son of the late Morgan and Beverley (Duclos) Stark.
David married his wife, Courtnea in Clinton, New York in January 1998. He was very active in his community, starting with his career in the Air Force and then moving into his career in New York State Department of corrections. There he climbed the ranks until he retired as First Deputy Superintendent in Bedford Hills, New York.
David was active in the American Legion post 429 of Rhinebeck, New York. He was also a volunteer EMT and fireman in Beekman New York. In his spare time, he enjoyed watching sunsets and fishing by the lakeside of Silver Lake in the home that he and his wife shared as a retreat that they cherished for 27 years before and after retiring. David enjoyed hunting and fishing and loved animals. He spent most of his retired years volunteering at the Dutchess County SPCA in Hyde Park, New York. David was a member of The Clinton Alliance Church in Clinton, NY.
Besides his wife Courtnea, David is survived by his children, Robert Stark, Howard Stark, his stepdaughter Debra Smith, his grandchildren Bryan Stark and Matthew Stark, his brother-in-law Tom Schaper, one niece and six nephews. He was predeceased by his infant son Steven, his brother and sister-in-law Daniel and Lynne Stark, Linda Schaper, his stepson James Smith and his nephew DJ Stark.
David will be missed by anyone who knew and loved him for his never-ending support, helping hand, generosity, advice and detailed instruction on anything and everything you needed, and mostly a sounding board for anyone to talk to.
A very special thank you to his closest friend/neighbor/property manager Blane and Kate Traver for always caring for and watching out for David while his stepdaughter was caring full time for his disabled wife.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made and David’s name to the Dutchess County SPCA at 636 Violet Ave., Hyde Park, NY 12538, the Putnam Humane Society at PO Box 297, Carmel, NY 10512 or American Legion Montgomery Post 429 PO Box 429, Rhinebeck NY 12572.
