Walter M. Starr, age 85, passed away Saturday, May 26, 2012 at UPMC Hamot. He was born in Covedale, Pa. on January 11, 1927, son of the late Walter E. and Theda Rudy Starr. Walter served in the U.S. Navy during WWII as a machinist on the LSM400 landing ship. He had lived in the Erie area since 1948 where he was employed with Hammermill Paper Co. for 35 years, retiring in 1989. He was a member of American Legion Carl Neff Post #571. Walter enjoyed outdoor activities including fishing, canoeing, camping and archery. After retirement, he traveled extensively visiting 48 of the 50 States. He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Clara L. Swanson Starr; as well as by his four children, Patricia A. Starr of Erie, Cynthia L. Starr (Alexander Hoon, Jr.) of Ellicott City, Md., Brian T. Starr (Mary) of Hermosa, S.D. and David M. Starr (Lisa) of Summit Twp.; four grandchildren, Jody and Michelle Hoon-Starr, Kyle and Autumn Starr; four nieces and nephews, Colleen Cleveland, Terese Buker, Raymond Swanson and Lynette Bartos. He was a remarkable man with a big heart, ready smile, warm laugh and ever present kindness for family and friends, and will be dearly missed by all who knew him. Friends may call at the Dusckas Funeral Home, Inc., East, 2607 Buffalo Road on Saturday from 9 a.m. until the time of the Memorial Service at 11 a.m. conducted by Rev. Rich Pearson. Private interment will take place at Wintergreen Gorge Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Cerebral Palsy Kinetic Connections (CPKC) Special Needs Fund and mailed to Ms. Toni Shumate, c/o Kennedy Krieger Institute, 801 North Broadway, Baltimore, MD 21205. The Fund provides $500 awards to individuals with cerebral palsy for medical expenses and support services that are not covered through private or public health insurance programs. To send condolences, visit www.dusckasfuneralhome.com.
Published in the Erie Times-News on May 31, 2012
