LESLIE STARK

STARK--Leslie, J., a beloved

Renaissance Man died July 17, 2015 at the age of 76 at his home on Martha's Vineyard. The cause of death was Myelodysplasia. He was a graduate of Poly Prep and Hobart & William Smith Colleges where he served on the board for many years. Upon graduation from college he attended the Yale School of Drama. He acted in New York in theatre and on T.V. He was the International Marketing Director of a subsidiary of Revlon and was based in Brussels and Hong Kong. After meeting his wife of 49 years Myra, a PHD in English Literature he entered the world of advertising, working at Benton and Bowles which became DMB& B. He became a successful producer of TV commercials and inspired all who worked with him. He had boundless energy and curiosity and fully embraced everything he did. But he will be remembered most for his numerous quiet acts of kindness. When he retired to Martha's Vineyard he continued to pursue his many passions including jazz, which he taught. He produced, directed and starred in countless plays at the Vineyard Playhouse and Island Theatre Workshop; was a member of the Peter Luce Play Readers Group. He enjoyed ballroom dancing, was a superb cook; learned and performed the ukelele after being told his fingers were not dexterous enough for the cello. He was a member of The Chamber Music Society. He was on the board and a major supporter of the Cancer Society Support Group and devoted to the Vineyard House. He worked on the Martha's Vineyard Gazette the oldest newspaper on the island. He is survived by his adored wife Myra, daughter Victoria Stark, son Brian Stark and his wife Julie Ramos M.D., granddaughter Eliana, sisters, Renee Stark, Cheryl Stark, sisters-in-law, Margery Meltzer, and Ruth Waldbaum, M.D., brother-in- law, Robert Waldbaum M.D., nieces Karen Andrade, Jennifer Marcus, Nicole Moser, Alexandra Kinnie and Hillary Waldbaum. We all adored Leslie and will miss him dearly. Donations can be made to the Martha's Vineyard Cancer Support Group, PO Box 2214, Martha's Vineyard, MA 02568.