Obituary for William C. Stark Sr.
William “Bill” C. Stark, Sr., 96, of State College, passed away at the home of his son and daughter-in-law on Thursday, March 3, 2022, with his family by his side. Born on February 26, 1926, in Snow Shoe, he was the son of the late Thomas J. and Sarah M. (Lauck) Stark. On July 1, 1946, he married Katharine (Nuebling) Stark, who preceded him in death on February 6, 2012, after 66 years of marriage.
Bill attended State College High School. At the age of 17 he proudly served his country by enlisting into the United States Navy in January 1944, during World War II. He was signalman third class and served on LST 734. During his time in the Pacific Theater he was awarded the Philippine Liberation Ribbon with one star, Pacific Theater Ribbon with three stars, American Theater Ribbon, and the Victory Medal. He was honorably discharged in July 1946.
Bill started his career as a mechanic for Hafer Oldsmobile and Campus Pontiac both in State College, Foresman Brothers Oldsmobile and Belle Buick both in Bellefonte. In February 1956, he started his own business, Stark’s Auto Service on West College Ave. in State College. He ran the business by himself until he formed a partnership with his son in 1969. They worked alongside one another until he retired in 1997. His son, Will, continued to run the family business until 2020, when for the first time, ownership was transferred outside of the family.
He is survived by his three children, Sally Stark (Steve Brechbuhl) of De Leon Springs, Florida, William “Will” Stark, Jr. (Melissa) of State College, and Jennifer Stark (Book Hower) of Centre Hall, and two grandchildren, Emily Stark of Helena, Montana, and Katelyn Stark of State College along with numerous nieces and nephews and his cat.
In addition to his wife and parents, he was predeceased by three brothers, David, Newton, and Calvin Stark, and two sisters, Daisy S. McLaughlin, and Maxine Bathurst. Bill was the last of his generation.
He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Bill was a member of the American Legion Post #245 in State College. He enjoyed hunting, camping, fishing, and going for long rides through the mountains.
Funeral services and burial will be announced at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of Wetzler Funeral Service, Inc. in Bellefonte.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Fay and David Stark, Jr., for always checking up on Uncle Bill, and to UPMC Hospice for their compassion and care they provided to Bill.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Bill’s memory to UPMC Hospice, 20 Sheraton Drive, Altoona, PA 16601, or to Centre County PAWS, 1401 Trout Road, State College, PA 16801.
Online condolences may be made to the family at www.wetzlerfuneralhome.com
Bill attended State College High School. At the age of 17 he proudly served his country by enlisting into the United States Navy in January 1944, during World War II. He was signalman third class and served on LST 734. During his time in the Pacific Theater he was awarded the Philippine Liberation Ribbon with one star, Pacific Theater Ribbon with three stars, American Theater Ribbon, and the Victory Medal. He was honorably discharged in July 1946.
Bill started his career as a mechanic for Hafer Oldsmobile and Campus Pontiac both in State College, Foresman Brothers Oldsmobile and Belle Buick both in Bellefonte. In February 1956, he started his own business, Stark’s Auto Service on West College Ave. in State College. He ran the business by himself until he formed a partnership with his son in 1969. They worked alongside one another until he retired in 1997. His son, Will, continued to run the family business until 2020, when for the first time, ownership was transferred outside of the family.
He is survived by his three children, Sally Stark (Steve Brechbuhl) of De Leon Springs, Florida, William “Will” Stark, Jr. (Melissa) of State College, and Jennifer Stark (Book Hower) of Centre Hall, and two grandchildren, Emily Stark of Helena, Montana, and Katelyn Stark of State College along with numerous nieces and nephews and his cat.
In addition to his wife and parents, he was predeceased by three brothers, David, Newton, and Calvin Stark, and two sisters, Daisy S. McLaughlin, and Maxine Bathurst. Bill was the last of his generation.
He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Bill was a member of the American Legion Post #245 in State College. He enjoyed hunting, camping, fishing, and going for long rides through the mountains.
Funeral services and burial will be announced at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of Wetzler Funeral Service, Inc. in Bellefonte.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Fay and David Stark, Jr., for always checking up on Uncle Bill, and to UPMC Hospice for their compassion and care they provided to Bill.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Bill’s memory to UPMC Hospice, 20 Sheraton Drive, Altoona, PA 16601, or to Centre County PAWS, 1401 Trout Road, State College, PA 16801.
Online condolences may be made to the family at www.wetzlerfuneralhome.com