Robert Edgar Starankovic Sr.

Robert Edgar Starankovic, Sr. Ph.D. 86 years old of Wynnewood; surrounded by his loving family died Friday, February 1st. In 1941, he received the honor of becoming an Eagle Scout. At the age of only 16, Bob graduated High School and was the recipient of a full football scholarship to the University of Illinois, his birth-state. At age 18, however, he was drafted into the United States Army during World War II. He then returned to college to earn his Ph.D. in Chemistry from Roosevelt University in Chicago, his hometown. As a Chemist he was a pioneer in the rotogravure printing industry; he formulated the first printing ink for many product packaging, most notably, printing on wax milk cartons. In addition, he developed one of the few formulations for water-based printing inks which is still the standard today. He worked tirelessly as an advocate for eliminating lead from paints, and gave research time to the Federal Government developing those standards. As church, community and his family meant the most to him; he held the position of the Penn Valley Neighborhood Chairman for Boy Scouts, in addition to coaching the community baseball teams, and being an avid booster for Lower Merion High School and Ardmore Junior High School's sports and Home and School programs. Bob taught 8th and 9th grade Sunday school, enjoying merging students' history lessons with their religion. Continuing in his services within the church, he served on church council and sang in the choir. Also, he was committed patron of the Philadelphia Arts. Most importantly, Bob, ("Pa" as known to his grandkids) was jovial, with an effortless knack for humor. He was extremely friendly and approachable, and one of the most interesting people to spin a conversation. He lived his life to the fullest at all times, and appreciated everything given to him. No matter where you were or what the predicament was, he could swiftly cheer you up in a heartbeat. He touched the lives of everyone he met, and therefore, will be tremendously missed. Surviving is his wife of 59 years, Doris Jane (nee Moritz) Starankovic and their children, Dee Jaye(Mark Frye); Emy Chris; Robert, Jr(Celeste Taylor); Charlene (Shawn Muldowney); Arthur(Heather Wiley); Grandchildren, Christine Frye; Emma, William and Noel House; Robert, III; Hadley and Audra. A Viewing will be held Saturday, February 9th, 5 to 7 pm at Stuard Funeral Home, 104 Cricket Ave. Ardmore. To celebrate Bob's life, a Gathering will take place at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Woodbine and Narberth Avenues on Sunday, Feb 10 with a Memorial Service beginning at 1pm and a Reception following at 2:00 pm in the church's adjacent Community Center. Memorials in Bob's name are appreciated for the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church's Music and Education Fund. Stuard Funeral Home