Joseph V. Stark, Sr.

Joseph V. Stark, Sr., 78, of German, NY, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, September 17, 2009, at his home.

Joe was born in Queens, NY on January 22, 1931, a son of the late William and Mary Emerson Stark. He was a member of the Living Word Christian Center, Greene, NY. A veteran of the Korean Conflict, he served in the U.S. Navy aboard the U.S.S. Tarawa. While in the Navy, he played basketball. Joe retired from Bell Telephone in Long Island, NY after 35 years of service. He was a member of the VFW and the Knights of Columbus. He was an avid hockey and baseball fan and loved his Islanders and Yankees. Joe was a kind and giving person who believed strongly in the Christian community and would often give generously of his time and money.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Betty Stark of German, his children, Tina (Terry) Garman of VA, Mary Jo (Steven) Rodriquez of FL, and Joseph V. (Christine) Stark, Jr. of German. He also leaves behind his grandchildren, Kellie Johansen, Christopher Marshall, and Johanna Jane Stark; his great grandchildren, Shane, McKayla, Ian and Corbin; and three sisters.

Funeral services will be held at the K.L. Sharp Funeral Home, Cincinnatus, NY on Tuesday, September 22, 2009, at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Mark Wilkins officiating. Burial, with military honors, will be in Westview Cemetery, German. The family will be present to receive friends at the funeral home on Monday from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Expressions of sympathy in memory of Joe may be directed to the Living Word Christian Center, Greene, NY or the German Baptist Church, McDonough, NY.