John Douglas Stark Sr.

John Douglas Stark Sr. of Riverhead died peacefully at his home Oct. 12 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 and earned a bachelor’s degree in economics and business from Villanova University. He then served his country as a 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 New York State. Doug also launched Foxwood Village in Calverton with his partner, Peter Mastropaolo.

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 the 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 the Evangelist R.C. Church in Riverhead, he was deeply involved in its charitable functions, serving on the finance committee, which was instrumental in the finance campaign and building of the new Catholic church.

An enthusiastic fisherman, skier and golfer, Doug also loved boating and traveling with friends by sea and was a member of North Fork Country Club. He was also known for ruling the card table during the afternoon games of gin rummy.

Predeceased by his parents and brother William Bruce Stark, Doug is survived by his wife, Diane E. (née Bobinski) Stark; his five children, Barbara Woodhull and her husband, George, Diane M. Stark of Bethany, Conn., 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 Riverhead Town supervisor, and by his precious grandchildren, Brittany, Lauren, Lindsay, Alexandra, Rachael, Marisa and Dylan.

Visitation began Oct. 14 at Reginald H. Tuthill Funeral Home in Riverhead and will continue Tuesday, Oct. 15, from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 16, at St. John the Evangelist R.C. Church, with lifelong friend Father Peter Garry officiating.

Memorial donations may be made to the National Kidney Foundation in honor of his daughter Michelle or to East End Hospice or Peconic Bay Medical Center.

This is a paid notice.